Pakistan on Wednesday launched a series of airstrikes targeting Afghanistan’s Barmal district in Paktika province, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people, including women and children. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
The airstrikes struck seven villages, including Laman, where five members of a single family were killed. Reports indicate that Pakistani fighter jets carried out the bombings, with significant damage reported in Murg Bazaar village.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Defence condemned the airstrikes and pledged retaliation, asserting, “Defending our land and sovereignty is our legitimate right.” The Ministry also stated that “Waziristani refugees” were among those who perished.
Official casualty numbers have yet to be confirmed, though at least 15 bodies have been recovered so far. These airstrikes come amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, primarily regarding the presence of militants from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghan territory.
Pakistan has frequently accused the Afghan Taliban of harbouring TTP fighters, who have stepped up attacks on Pakistani forces in recent months. The Afghan Taliban, however, has denied these allegations, claiming that civilians, not militants, were targeted in the recent strikes.
Pakistan contends that many TTP leaders and fighters have sought refuge in Afghanistan, particularly in the border provinces under Taliban protection. Afghan officials, however, reject these claims, maintaining that the victims of the bombings were mainly displaced civilians.
The airstrikes occurred shortly after Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, visited Kabul to discuss trade and bilateral relations. The timing of the strikes has raised concerns about a further deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The TTP, which ended its ceasefire with the Pakistani government in November 2022, has escalated its attacks on Pakistani security forces. These attacks have led to numerous casualties among Pakistani soldiers in recent months, further heightening security concerns in Islamabad.
