Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan kill children among 15 civilians; Taliban threatens retaliation

PTC Web Desk: A devastating series of airstrikes by Pakistan on Afghanistan's Barmal district in Paktika province has left at least 15 persons dead, including women and children, with the toll likely to rise. The strikes, carried out on December 24, targeted seven villages, including Laman, where five members of one family lost their lives.

Local sources allege that Pakistani fighter jets were responsible for the bombings, which destroyed parts of Murg Bazaar village, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the region.

The Taliban's Ministry of Defence has condemned the airstrikes and vowed retaliation. Ministry spokesperson Enayatullah Khwarazmi stated that defending Afghanistan's sovereignty is a legitimate right. Khwarazmi accused Pakistan of targeting "civilian people, mostly Waziristani refugees," and claimed that children and other non-combatants were among the casualties.

While Pakistan has not officially confirmed the airstrikes, security sources suggested the attacks were aimed at Taliban hideouts near the border. This comes amid rising tensions between the two nations, primarily over the alleged presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants in Afghanistan.

The TTP has escalated attacks against Pakistan in recent months, leading to accusations that the Afghan Taliban is providing shelter to its fighters. The airstrikes have further strained relations, with both sides trading accusations over the handling of border security and militant activity.

Recovery efforts are ongoing, and the casualty count is expected to increase.