Field Assessment by Saifrood Unity and Aid Organization in Khost Province

 

Humanitarian Situation Report – Alisher District, Khost Province

Prepared by: Abdullah Samim, Chairman, Saifrood Unity and Aid Organization (SUAO)
Date: 24 March 2026

Following the escalation of border hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have now continued for over twenty days, Saifrood Unity and Aid Organization (SUAO) conducted an urgent field assessment in Alisher District of Khost Province. The findings indicate a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation affecting civilian populations in border areas.

According to the assessment, border communities in Alisher District—particularly the villages of Zarkhel, Kotkai, Sadaq, Kochian, Chargoti, Bati, Babrak Tana, Kabul Kili, and Landai—have been directly impacted by repeated shelling and aerial bombardments. As a result, hundreds of civilian families have been forced into sudden displacement, abandoning their homes and places of origin under extremely distressing conditions.

These displacements occurred without the opportunity for households to secure or transport essential assets, including livestock, food supplies, agricultural inputs, and other livelihood resources. Most affected families have fled to relatively safer areas such as Sabari District, Lakano Dand, and other central locations.

Displaced individuals consistently describe their situation as “extremely difficult and critical.” Over the past twenty days, continuous hostilities—including gunfire and bombardments—have not only threatened civilian safety but have also severely disrupted livelihoods and local economic systems.

Preliminary findings indicate that a significant number of residential structures have been either partially or completely destroyed. In addition, large numbers of livestock have reportedly been killed during bombardments, while others remain unattended and at high risk of death due to lack of water, feed, and care. This has had a direct and severe impact on household food security, particularly given the heavy reliance of these communities on livestock as a primary source of income.

Agricultural losses are equally alarming. The crisis coincided with a critical stage in the agricultural cycle, requiring irrigation and active field management. Due to forced displacement, farmland has been left unattended, and there is a high likelihood of widespread crop failure. This will not only reduce immediate household income but will also significantly undermine food security in the coming months.

The SUAO assessment further highlights that displaced populations are facing acute challenges in meeting their basic needs. Loss of income sources, destruction of assets, and limited access to livelihood opportunities have forced many families into severe economic hardship. Reports indicate that some households have already reduced their daily food intake, posing serious health and nutritional risks—particularly for children, women, and the elderly.

In addition, living conditions among displaced populations remain inadequate. Many families are currently residing with host communities, in temporary shelters, or in overcrowded and substandard environments. Access to safe drinking water, healthcare services, and adequate shelter remains critically limited, further increasing vulnerability.

Based on these findings, Saifrood Unity and Aid Organization (SUAO) considers the situation to constitute an urgent humanitarian crisis. Immediate, coordinated intervention by humanitarian actors, government authorities, and the international community is essential.

Priority needs include:

• Multi-purpose cash assistance
• Emergency food support
• Provision of emergency shelter
• Access to essential healthcare services
• Livelihood recovery support

Furthermore, there is a critical need for continued assessments, systematic registration of displaced populations, and planning for safe, voluntary, and dignified return when conditions permit.

SUAO will continue to monitor the situation closely and stands ready to respond in coordination with relevant humanitarian stakeholders.