In a significant escalation of hostilities, Pakistan launched a series of airstrikes targeting Afghanistan’s Barmal district in Paktika province on the night of December 24, resulting in at least 46 fatalities, including women and children. The strikes, which struck seven villages, left six others, primarily children, wounded, according to Taliban officials.
The Pakistani air force reportedly targeted areas including the village of Laman, where five members of one family were killed. Murg Bazaar village also witnessed extensive damage. Taliban officials condemned the bombings, describing them as “a blatant violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty.”
Taliban Vows Retaliation
Reacting swiftly, Afghanistan’s Taliban-led Ministry of Defence issued a strong statement condemning the airstrikes and warning of retaliation. “Defending our land and sovereignty is our legitimate right,” the ministry declared. Among the deceased, the ministry highlighted that displaced “Waziristani refugees” were also victims of the air raids.
Background of Escalating Tensions
The airstrikes unfold against the backdrop of mounting tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, with Pakistan repeatedly accusing Afghanistan of harboring militants from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad claims TTP fighters are using Afghan territory to launch cross-border attacks on Pakistani security forces. In contrast, the Afghan Taliban consistently denies these allegations, emphasizing that the bombings targeted civilians rather than militants.
Since the TTP ended its ceasefire with Pakistan in November 2022, the group has intensified its attacks on Pakistani military personnel, heightening Islamabad’s security concerns. The Pakistani government contends that TTP leaders operate with impunity from Afghan border provinces under Taliban protection.
Civilian Casualties and Humanitarian Concerns
While official casualty figures remain undisclosed, Taliban sources revealed that at least 15 bodies have been recovered, with ongoing search and rescue operations in the affected areas. Witnesses reported significant destruction across the villages, amplifying concerns of worsening humanitarian conditions.
The Afghan government labeled the airstrikes “brutal and against all international norms and principles,” reiterating that Kabul would not allow its territorial integrity to be compromised.
Diplomatic Fallout
The airstrikes coincide with a visit to Kabul by Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, for discussions on trade and bilateral relations. The timing of the attacks has cast a shadow over diplomatic engagements, fueling speculations about deteriorating ties between the two nations.
Observers note that Pakistan’s decision to carry out airstrikes shortly after high-level diplomatic talks could exacerbate already fragile relations, potentially derailing ongoing cooperation efforts aimed at stabilizing border regions.
A Region on the Brink
The recent airstrikes underscore the volatility of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, with cross-border militancy and retaliatory measures threatening to plunge the region into deeper conflict. As both nations navigate this turbulent phase, the international community closely watches developments, wary of the broader implications for regional stability and peace.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
