Pakistan airstrikes in Afghanistan kill 15, Taliban vows retaliation

Pakistan airstrikes Paktika province in Afghanistan

At least 15 people, including women and children, were killed in a series of airstrikes carried out by Pakistan on the Barmal district of Paktika province in Afghanistan on December 24. The death toll is expected to rise as recovery efforts continue, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.

Airstrikes target civilians

Local sources reported that Pakistani jets were responsible for bombings targeting seven villages, including Laman, where five members of a single family were killed. Murg Bazaar village was also destroyed, resulting in severe civilian casualties and widespread destruction. These attacks have heightened tensions in the already volatile region. Further investigation is needed to confirm the details and clarify accountability for the airstrikes.

Taliban condemns and vows retaliation

The Taliban’s Ministry of Defence condemned the attack, asserting that “Waziristani refugees” were among the victims. In a statement, the ministry vowed retaliation, declaring the defence of their land and sovereignty as their legitimate right.

Enayatullah Khwarazmi, spokesperson for the Taliban Ministry of Defence, denied Pakistan’s claims that the strikes targeted Taliban hideouts. He stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the airstrikes killed “several children and civilians,” though official casualty numbers remain unavailable.

Pakistan’s stance and escalating tensions

While Pakistani officials have not officially confirmed the airstrikes, security sources close to the military indicated that the operation aimed to strike Taliban hideouts near the border. This attack follows months of escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants in Afghan territory.

Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban of harboring TTP fighters who have fled across the border and providing them safe havens in provinces like Paktika. The TTP has intensified attacks on Pakistani forces in recent months, further straining relations between the two countries.

Waziristani refugees and regional fallout

The airstrikes also targeted Waziristani refugees, civilians displaced by previous military operations in Pakistan’s tribal areas. Pakistan asserts that many TTP leaders and fighters are among these displaced groups, allegedly shielded by the Afghan Taliban.

The deteriorating relationship between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, fueled by accusations over the presence of militants, continues to destabilize the region. Both nations face mounting pressure to address cross-border militancy and civilian safety amid escalating violence.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.

The post Pakistan airstrikes in Afghanistan kill 15, Taliban vows retaliation appeared first on PGurus.