Pakistan Airstrikes on Afghanistan: 15 Killed, Taliban Vows To Retaliate
Pakistan conducted a series of airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Barmal district, located in Paktika province, on the night of December 24, 2024. These strikes reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 15 individuals, including women and children, with the casualty count expected to rise as rescue operations continue. The airstrikes targeted multiple villages, including Laman and Murg Bazaar, where significant destruction was reported. Local sources indicated that five members of one family were among those killed in Laman.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Defence condemned the airstrikes as a violation of Afghan sovereignty and vowed to retaliate. They characterized the attacks as “brutal” and claimed that many of the victims were refugees from Waziristan who had fled violence in Pakistan. The Taliban emphasized their right to defend their territory and asserted that such actions by Pakistan would not go unanswered.
This incident has escalated tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which have been strained over issues related to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban of harboring TTP militants who have been responsible for increasing attacks on Pakistani security forces. In response, Afghan officials have denied these allegations, asserting that they do not support any militant groups operating against Pakistan.
The airstrikes occurred shortly after a visit by Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, to Kabul for discussions aimed at improving bilateral relations. This timing has raised concerns about deteriorating diplomatic ties amidst ongoing security challenges in the region
Pakistan Conducts Airstrikes on Afghanistan: On December 24, 2024, Pakistan launched airstrikes in the Barmal district of Paktika province, targeting suspected hideouts of the Pakistani Taliban (TTP). Reports indicate that at least 15 people were killed, including women and children, with the death toll expected to rise as recovery efforts continue.
Taliban’s Response: The Taliban’s Ministry of Defence condemned the airstrikes, vowing to retaliate and asserting that defending their territory is a legitimate right. They claimed that many victims were “Waziristani refugees,” emphasizing the civilian impact of the strikes.
Humanitarian Impact: The airstrikes reportedly destroyed several homes and exacerbated the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. Witnesses reported significant destruction in villages such as Murg Bazaar, raising concerns about further civilian casualties.
Context of Tensions: This incident marks a continuation of rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly regarding the presence of TTP militants in Afghanistan. Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban of sheltering these militants, while Kabul denies these claims. The airstrikes are seen as a direct warning to the TTP amid escalating violence in border regions.
Previous Airstrikes: This operation is noted as the second such attack since March 2024, when Pakistan conducted similar intelligence-driven strikes against alleged TTP locations within Afghanistan.
This situation underscores the fragile security dynamics in the region and highlights ongoing conflicts involving militant groups operating across the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
