Pakistan launches series of airstrikes on Afghanistan, at least 15 killed

On the night of December 24, Pakistan carried out a series of airstrikes in Afghanistan's Barmal district, located in Paktika province, resulting in at least 15 fatalities, including women and children. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the death toll is expected to rise, according to reports from Khaama Press.

The strikes targeted seven villages, including Laman, where five members of a single family reportedly died. Murg Bazaar village suffered extensive damage, with Pakistani jets identified as responsible for the bombings.

The Taliban’s Ministry of Defence condemned the attacks, labeling them a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and vowing retaliation. The ministry declared, "Defending our land and sovereignty is our legitimate right," noting that some of the victims were "Waziristani refugees." Official casualty figures remain undisclosed, but at least 15 bodies have been recovered so far.

These airstrikes come amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants in Afghan territory. Islamabad has accused the Afghan Taliban of sheltering TTP fighters, who have escalated attacks on Pakistani forces in recent months. However, the Afghan Taliban denies these allegations, asserting that the recent strikes targeted civilians rather than militants.

In response to the attacks, the Afghan Ministry of Defence condemned the strikes as a "brutal act" that violated international principles, calling it blatant aggression. The ministry added, "The Islamic Emirate will not leave this cowardly act unanswered and considers defending its territory an inalienable right."

Pakistan has claimed that TTP leaders and fighters have taken refuge in Afghanistan’s border provinces under Taliban protection. However, Afghan officials maintain that those killed in the bombings were primarily displaced civilians.

The airstrikes occurred shortly after Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan's special representative for Afghanistan, visited Kabul to discuss trade and bilateral relations. This timing has sparked concerns about worsening diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Since the TTP ended its ceasefire with the Pakistani government in November 2022, the group has intensified attacks on Pakistani security forces, resulting in numerous casualties and further straining Islamabad’s securi

ty situation.