Pakistani Airstrikes in Afghanistan Result in 15 Casualties; Taliban Promises Retaliation
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Kabul, Dec 25 (NationPress) At least 15 individuals, comprising women and children, have lost their lives in Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan, with expectations that the death toll may continue to rise, according to reports from local media.
The attacks, executed late on Tuesday, targeted several regions in the Barmal district of Paktika province, effectively dismantling a Taliban training facility, as per information from Khaama Press.
Seven villages were bombed, including Laman, where five family members tragically lost their lives, and Murg Bazaar village, which suffered complete destruction.
The airstrikes have exacerbated Afghanistan's ongoing humanitarian crisis, leading to substantial devastation and civilian casualties, thereby further straining the already tense relations between the two nations.
The caretaker government of Afghanistan has condemned the assault and vowed to retaliate, as reported by Radio Television of Pakistan.
"The Barmal district of Paktika faced bombardment by the Pakistan Army yesterday. The majority of the victims were civilians, including Waziristani refugees. Several were martyred or injured, including children," stated the country's Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Describing the incident as a "barbaric act," the MoD emphasized, "This blatant aggression contradicts all international principles. The Pakistani side must realize that such actions will not resolve any issues. The Islamic Emirate will protect its territory and considers this its inalienable right."
Pakistan has not yet officially acknowledged responsibility for the strikes, which have further escalated tensions between the two neighboring countries.
The strikes occur in the context of deteriorating relations between Islamabad and Kabul regarding the presence of Pakistani militants in Afghanistan. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has ramped up its operations against Pakistani forces in recent months, with Islamabad accusing the Afghan Taliban of providing refuge for the group.
While Pakistan has consistently urged the Afghan Taliban to act against the TTP, Kabul denies harboring these militants. This latest escalation adds another layer of complexity to an already fragile relationship.
