San Francisco Frontiers - Afghans rally against Pakistan and civilian casualties

A week of border fighting between the two neighbours has killed dozens of Afghan civilians and displaced tens of thousands, according to UN figures.

In Gardez, the capital of eastern Paktia province, residents gathered while some waved the white flag of the Taliban government.

"Today we're out in central Paktia, Gardez, against the cruel attacks of Pakistan on Afghan civilians," said Ghamay, a demonstrator who only gave one name.

"We're out here to defend our land," he added.

At least 42 civilians have been killed and 104 wounded since February 26, including children, the UN mission in Afghanistan reported.

Islamabad is yet to comment on civilian casualties and said its troops have killed more than 430 Afghan soldiers.

Afghanistan estimated Pakistani fatalities among troops at around 150. Casualty claims from both sides are difficult to verify independently.

Fighting erupted with an Afghan border offensive in retaliation for earlier Pakistani air strikes, which Islamabad said were targeting militants.

A rally was also held in the Gurbuz district of Khost province, which has been hit by fighting.

"Today's protest is not just for a show, we're out for those 17 martyrs in Kunar including women, children and old people," said protester Obaidullah Gurbaz.

"You can see the soldiers standing behind us for the past seven, eight days. They are hungry and thirsty but defending the country strongly," the 70-year-old added.

Afghanistan's defence ministry said more than 25 soldiers have been killed.

- Fighting hits food aid -

Clashes at the border have also displaced nearly 66,000 Afghans, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said.

At least one of the UN agency's centres in Nangarhar province "sustained significant collateral damage", the IOM said.

As well as putting a halt to humanitarian support for Afghans returning from Pakistan, the fighting has also suspended emergency food aid.

About 160,000 people have been affected by the stoppage, the World Food Programme said, in a country already facing a hunger crisis.

One resident in Nangarhar said the UN agency "used to help us a lot", but now he has cut the amount of bread he eats.

"We search around, sometimes with a full stomach and sometimes with half," said Farhad, who only gave one name.

"Last night I went to my neighbours and relatives to borrow 1,000 Afghanis ($16) but nobody gave it to me."

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N.Flores--SFF