KABUL: The death toll from the recent Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Barmal district of Paktika province has risen to 46, with at least six people left injured. The majority of the victims are reported to be women and children, as per reports from Taliban authorities and Khaama Press. The airstrikes took place on December 24, targeting several locations in the district. The Taliban condemned the attacks, asserting that civilians, including displaced Waziristani refugees, were among the casualties.
Pakistan’s military, however, stated that the airstrikes were aimed at Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) bases in the region. According to Pakistani media outlets close to the military, the operation resulted in the deaths of several militants and the destruction of four TTP strongholds. This claim was disputed by the Taliban’s Ministry of Defence, which argued that civilians, including refugees, were also targeted in the airstrikes, challenging Pakistan’s assertion that only militants were hit.
This incident has heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, particularly as the Taliban warned of potential retaliation for the deaths of civilians in the attack. In recent months, Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban of sheltering TTP militants, who have increased their attacks on Pakistani forces. These escalating tensions threaten regional stability and are likely to further complicate the already fragile relations between the two neighboring countries.
Spokesperson Enayatullah Khwarazmi of the Taliban’s Ministry of Defence denied Pakistan’s claims, stating on social media that the victims were mostly civilians, including children. While official figures have yet to be released, reports suggest that at least 15 bodies, including those of women and children, have been recovered. As search operations continue, the death toll is expected to rise. This attack underscores the need for urgent diplomatic efforts to address the growing conflict and prevent further loss of life in the region.
