KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Italian government has urged its citizens in Afghanistan to leave the country using available commercial flights, citing escalating violence and ongoing Pakistani airstrikes across multiple provinces.
In a statement on Tuesday, Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised those who choose to remain in Afghanistan to register their presence online and avoid unnecessary travel. The ministry noted that the Italian Embassy in Afghanistan is operating from Doha, Qatar, and cannot provide consular assistance on the ground.
The warning comes amid growing tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan, with clashes along the border and airstrikes reported in several provinces, including the capital, Kabul. On Monday night, Pakistani airstrikes targeted multiple locations in Kabul, including a rehabilitation center. Taliban authorities reported at least 400 people were killed and 250 injured in the attack, though these figures have not been independently verified by the UN or other international observers.
Pakistan’s military says its operation, named “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq” and launched in late February, targets militant networks including Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliated groups, as well as installations used by the Afghan Taliban installations alleged to support terrorism. Since its launch, the military has carried out repeated airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar, and several border provinces.
According to the UN figures, Pakistani airstrikes since February 26 have resulted in at least 289 civilian casualties, including 76 deaths. The ongoing hostilities have raised concerns about displacement, disruption of essential services, and the worsening of the humanitarian crisis in the country.
The UN and regional powers, including China, Russia, and Turkey, have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, emphasizing the need for dialogue and protection of civilians. Despite these calls, clashes, and airstrikes persist, underscoring Afghanistan’s fragile security situation and the mounting challenges for international humanitarian efforts.
