Full Breakdown
Pakistani Mortar Strikes Hit Afghan University and Residential Areas, Killing Seven and Wounding 85
4/28/2026, 11:32:56 PM
Incident Overview
On Monday, 27 April 2026, mortars and missiles launched from Pakistani-controlled territory struck Asadabad, the capital of Afghanistan’s Kunar province. The attacks hit the Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani University and nearby residential neighborhoods, resulting in seven fatalities and 85 injuries.
Background to the Conflict and Recent Ceasefire
Hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan intensified in late February 2026 after a cross-border Afghan retaliation for earlier Pakistani airstrikes. Both sides engaged in repeated shelling and missile exchanges, causing hundreds of casualties. Early April, delegations met in Urumqi, China, and agreed to a ceasefire mediated by Beijing and observed during the Eid al-Fitr holiday. The Asadabad strike marks the first major violation of that agreement.
Key Figures and Groups
- Muzaffar Mukhlis, provincial public-health director (Kunar) – reported casualty figures.
- Hamdullah Fitrat, Afghan deputy government spokesman – described the attack as a war crime.
- Najibullah Hanafi, Kunar Information and Culture Director – confirmed target locations.
- Amir Khan Mutaqi, Afghan Foreign Minister – commented on the peace talks.
- Pakistan Ministry of Information and Broadcasting – issued denial statements.
- Local witnesses: Suhbat Katwazi (Barmal, Paktika), Zmarai Kunari (teacher), Mushtaq Wazir (resident).
Casualties and Damage
Afghan officials tallied seven dead and 85 wounded, including women, children and university students. The Ministry of Higher Education reported roughly 30 students and professors injured, and the university’s buildings and grounds suffered extensive damage, prompting its immediate closure.
Official Statements & Responses
Afghan deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat called the strikes “an unforgivable war crime, barbarity, and provocative act,” asserting they targeted the university and civilian homes. Najibullah Hanafi reiterated the casualty count. Foreign Minister Mutaqi described the recent Urumqi negotiations as “positive.”
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information countered that “Pakistan’s targeting is precise and intelligence-based. No strike has been carried out on Sayed Jamaluddin Afghan University. The claims are frivolous and fake,” labeling the Afghan reports as “a blatant lie.”
Criticism & Opposition
Afghan officials and local media criticized Pakistan’s denial as undermining the ceasefire and endangering civilians. Pakistani statements dismissed Afghan accusations as fabricated, reflecting deep mistrust that hampers diplomatic resolution.
On-the-Ground Reports
Residents described mortar shells landing near homes and the university campus. At Asadabad Hospital, 22-year-old laborer Sahatullah recounted a child playing outside when shelling struck, while teacher Zmarai Kunari identified a wounded brother among the casualties.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Initial Taliban statements cited 45 wounded, later revised to 85, indicating inconsistency in casualty reporting. No independent verification of the strike’s origin has been presented, and details on the specific weapon systems used remain unconfirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “85 wounded and seven bodies have been brought” — Muzaffar Mukhlis, Provincial Public-Health Director
- “Suhbat Katwazi, from Barmal, the same district of Paktika, said that Monday’s death was caused by a mortar shell that hit the person’s home.” — Suhbat Katwazi, Barmal, Paktika
- “an unforgivable war crime, barbarity, and provocative act.” — Hamdullah Fitrat, Deputy Government Spokesman
- “Pakistan’s targeting is precise and intelligence based. No strike has been carried out on Sayed Jamaluddin Afghan University. The claims are frivolous and fake.” — Pakistan Ministry of Information
- “You are all aware of our recent problems with Pakistan. The latest negotiations were held in Urumqi under the mediation of China, and these negotiations were positive,” — Amir Khan Mutaqi, Afghan Foreign Minister
Implications and Next Steps
The strike threatens to derail the China-mediated peace process and could prompt renewed cross-border exchanges. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has recorded 94 000 displaced persons in Afghanistan, underscoring the humanitarian stakes. Both governments have signaled a willingness to resume dialogue, but verification of the incident and confidence-building measures will be essential to prevent further escalation.
