Pakistan's air attack on Afghanistan, 15 civilians killed, tension increased between the two countries

Kabul: Pakistani air strikes wreaked havoc in Barmal district of Afghanistan's Paktika province, killing at least 15 civilians, including women and children. According to Khama Press report, the attacks took place on the night of 24 December in seven villages, including Laman, where five members of the same family were killed. , This figure is still preliminary and the death toll is expected to increase.

Local sources claim that Pakistani jets were responsible for the bombing. Reports indicate that Murg Bazar village in Barmal was destroyed, adding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Tension increased in the area after the attack

The airstrikes have caused serious civilian casualties and widespread destruction, further escalating tensions in the region. As recovery efforts continue, further investigation is needed to confirm details and clarify responsibility for the attacks, Khama Press reports. The ministry said it is their legitimate right to defend their land and sovereignty, and condemned the attack, claiming that “Waziristani refugees” were among those targeted.

Pakistani officials did not confirm the attack

While Pakistani officials have not officially confirmed the airstrike, security sources close to the military have suggested that the strike was targeted at Taliban positions near the border.

This comes amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, especially over the presence of Pakistani terrorists in Afghanistan.

The Pakistani Taliban, or Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has increased its attacks on the Pakistani military in recent months, with Pakistan accusing the Afghan Taliban of harboring these terrorists.

Taliban Defense Ministry spokesman Inayatullah Khwarezmi denied Pakistani claims and posted on Twitter that “civilians, mostly Waziristan refugees,” were killed in the airstrike.

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Khwarezmi said “many children and other civilians were martyred and injured” in the attack, although no official casualty figures were given. Sources said at least 15 bodies, including those of women and children, have been recovered, and the death toll is expected to rise as search operations continue.

Khaama Press reported that Syrian refugees are civilians who were displaced by military operations in Pakistan's tribal areas. However, Pakistan says that many TTP commanders and fighters have fled to Afghanistan, where they are reportedly being protected by the Afghan Taliban in the border provinces.

Tension has been rising between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban for some time, which has further increased due to the presence of TTP militants in Afghanistan. Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of harboring these terrorists, while the Taliban insists that it is not cooperating with the group.

(with agency input)