Cross-border strikes killed 185 Afghan civilians, 55% women and children, in late February–early March 2026.

A United Nations report confirms that women and children made up 55% of 185 civilian casualties in Afghanistan from February 26 to March 5, 2026, due to cross-border strikes with Pakistan, including a deadly airstrike in Barmal district that killed 14 civilians. The death toll exceeds previous clashes in October 2025. Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, citing attacks from Afghan militants, but provided no verifiable evidence. In response, Afghanistan’s de facto authorities initiated retaliatory operations. UNAMA urged all parties to follow international humanitarian law to prevent further civilian harm.