Pakistani Airstrikes in Afghanistan Claim 15 Lives, Prompt Retaliation Threats
Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province on December 24 resulted in the deaths of at least 15 individuals, including women and children. The Taliban condemned the attacks and pledged retaliation, while Pakistan aimed to target Taliban hideouts amidst rising tensions over the presence of TTP militants. The situation underscores the plight of Waziristani refugees and deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two countries.
On December 24, Pakistan conducted a series of airstrikes in the Barmal district of Paktika province, Afghanistan, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 individuals, which included women and children. The strikes targeted seven villages, causing significant destruction, particularly in Murg Bazaar and Laman. Tragically, an entire family of five was lost in these bombings. Local sources have pointed towards Pakistani jets as the perpetrators of these attacks.
In response to the airstrikes, the Taliban’s Ministry of Defence issued a condemnation and pledged retaliation, emphasizing their stance on defending their territory and sovereignty. They highlighted that among the casualties were “Waziristani refugees.” Enayatullah Khwarazmi, a spokesperson for the Taliban, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that “civilian people, mostly Waziristani refugees,” suffered due to the airstrikes.
Although Pakistani officials have denied any involvement in the airstrikes, security sources suggest that the strikes aimed to eliminate Taliban hideouts close to the border. This escalation occurs amidst increasing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan regarding the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants in Afghan territory. Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of harboring TTP fighters, a claim that the latter has strongly denied.
The bombing victims included Waziristani refugees, who are civilians displaced by military operations in Pakistan’s tribal areas. Islamabad maintains that many TTP leaders have sought refuge in Afghanistan under the Taliban’s protection, a statement that Afghan officials contest, stressing the importance of protecting civilian lives. This incident follows a visit by Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, to Kabul for discussions on trade, raising alarms over declining diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The recent airstrikes launched by Pakistan in Afghanistan’s Paktika province highlight the ongoing tensions and conflict in the region, particularly between Pakistan and the Taliban. The strikes, attributed to Pakistani jets, specifically targeted areas in Afghanistan that Pakistan believes are harboring militant groups, notably the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The situation is further complicated by the presence of Waziristani refugees, civilians displaced due to military actions in Pakistan, who have now become collateral damage in this conflict. The statements from both the Taliban and Pakistani officials underscore the fragility of diplomatic relations between the two nations, particularly in light of border security and the ongoing war against extremism.
In summary, the airstrikes conducted by Pakistan in Afghanistan have resulted in significant loss of life and destruction, prompting a strong condemnation from the Taliban, who vow to retaliate. The situation is emblematic of the fraught relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, driven by mutual accusations over harboring militants and the impact on innocent civilians, specifically Waziristani refugees. As diplomatic tensions escalate, it remains crucial for both nations to address these issues to prevent further civilian casualties and restore stability in the region.
Original Source: www.newsbytesapp.com
