Border police: Pakistan shells Afghan villages in east

JALALABAD (PAN): In yet another cross-border attack, Pakistani forces shelled several villages in Gushta district of eastern Nangarhar province, officials said on Saturday.

At least 10 mortar shells were fired into the Anargai area from Pakistan on Friday night, Zone 1 Border Police Commander Brig. Gen. Aminullah Amarkhel told Pajhwok Afghan News.

The commander said the new attack in Anargai was the second in that locality in less than two weeks. Amarkhel had no information about casualties.

Another border police officer, Col. Abdul Basir, said Pakistani troops fired shells into residential areas including Allakhel, Tareli and Lakarai.

He said there were no casualties, but residents had fled their homes in panic. Basir warned of retaliation if the attacks from Pakistan continue.

Gushta District Chief Syed Rahman said they were deeply concerned about the exodus, urging the president and the armed forces to quickly respond to the attacks.

In recent weeks, artillery shells fired from Pakistan across the disputed border have displaced hundreds of families in the eastern provinces.

ma/at