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UN calls on parties to stop fighting as civilian casualties mount in Helmand
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has expressed its deep concerns over civilians’ casualties in southern Helmand province as the Taliban continue offensives across the country.
UNAMA said Tuesday that at least 40 civilians have been killed and 118 others wounded within the last 24 hours in clashes between the Afghan army and the Taliban militants.
“Deepening concern for Afghan civilians in Lashkargah as fighting worsens. Latest reports show 118 civilians injured and 40 killed within last 24 hours as Taliban continue the ground assault and Afghan Army attempts to repel,” UNAMA tweeted.
The UN has also urged an “immediate end to fighting in urban areas.”
“Civilians are bearing the brunt as fighting enters Afghanistan’s cities… Thousands displaced. Likely many more. Population living in fear,” UNAMA said.
UNAMA added that the Taliban ground offensive and Afghan National Army (ANA) airstrikes causing the most harm.
“Deep concerns about indiscriminate shooting, damage to/occupation of health facilities and civilian homes. Parties must do more to protect civilians or impact will be catastrophic,” the organization stated.
Meanwhile, General Sami Sadat, Commander of the Army’s 215 Maiwand Corps, who is leading the battle against the Taliban in Helmand, urged Lashkargah residents to evacuate their houses as the ANDSF is planning large-scale operations to clear the city of Taliban.
Sadat stated that the decision was taken in order to prevent the civilian casualties.
“We are fighting against Taliban and will not leave them alive,” he warned.
Mohammad Wali Alizai, Helmand Governor, stated: “Pakistan is involved in Helmand clashes. The country is supporting the Taliban. I assure everyone that the situation will get normal soon.”
The Taliban has not commented in this regard, so far.
Terrorist activities continue to be observed along Afghanistan borders and along the India–Pakistan–Afghanistan corridor, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview published on Monday.
Speaking to Russia-based media outlet TV BRICS, Lavrov pointed to ongoing concerns in the Middle East, including its Asian regions.
He highlighted the importance of collaboration with India at the United Nations to advance a global counter-terrorism convention.
Lavrov stated that while the draft convention has already been prepared, consensus on its adoption has not yet been reached.
Russia has repeatedly expressed concern about militant threats from Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate, however, has dismissed the concerns saying that it will not allow Afghanistan’s soil to be used against any country.
Noorullah Noori, Afghanistan’s Minister of Borders and Tribal Affairs, held a phone conversation with Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, to discuss bilateral border cooperation.
According to the Iranian news agency IRNA, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening border collaboration, with a particular focus on the ongoing renovation and updating of border markers. They also agreed to accelerate joint technical and legal meetings to enhance coordination.
As part of the agreement, the next meeting of senior border officials from Afghanistan and Iran is scheduled to take place in Iran in 1405 (2026–2027).
The Director General of the OIC Mission in Kabul, Mohammed Saeed Alayyash, met on Sunday with Rolf Dieter Reinhard, Head of the German Liaison Office for Afghanistan in Doha and Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the German Embassy in Afghanistan.
During the discussion, both sides exchanged views on the latest developments in Afghanistan. They focused on the security situation, as well as the humanitarian and economic conditions faced by the Afghan people.
The two officials also reviewed recent political developments and broader challenges in the country, highlighting the need for continued international engagement and support.
The meeting emphasized the importance of ongoing cooperation and coordination between the OIC Mission and the German side in addressing Afghanistan’s challenges and in supporting efforts to promote stability and improve the humanitarian situation.
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