Taliban officials claim Pakistani airstrikes in Barmal, Paktika province, resulted in 46 civilian deaths, primarily women and children. Pakistani security sources assert that the strikes aimed at TTP targets. The Afghan Ministry of National Defense condemned the strikes while Pakistan accused the TTP of cross-border attacks. This incident underscores the tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan regarding border security and humanitarian impacts.
On Wednesday, Taliban officials in Afghanistan asserted that an overnight aerial bombardment, allegedly conducted by Pakistan, resulted in the deaths of at least 46 individuals in the Barmal district, located in the eastern Paktika province. Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban government spokesperson, indicated that the attack struck four separate locations, predominantly affecting women and children, with an additional six civilians reported as wounded. However, independent verification of these claims is currently unavailable.
In response to the allegations, Pakistani security officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that their military had executed precision counterinsurgency airstrikes targeting multiple sites in Barmal linked to the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan’s government maintains that the TTP conducts attacks against Pakistani civilians and military personnel from safe havens within Afghanistan.
The Afghan Ministry of National Defense vehemently condemned the strikes, labeling them as “barbaric” and describing them as a blatant act of aggression in violation of international laws. This ministry contended that the victims included both Afghan nationals and Pakistani refugee families residing in Barmal, while warning, “This cowardly attack will not go unanswered,” without divulging further specifics.
This incident occurred shortly after a TTP incursion into South Waziristan, Pakistan, during which 16 soldiers were killed—marking one of the most severe assaults on Pakistani military forces in recent months. Furthermore, the aerial strikes coincided with high-level discussions between Taliban officials and a Pakistani delegation, which aimed to restore relations following a year-long suspension due to terrorism-related accusations.
The recent allegations of Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan highlight the ongoing tensions between the two nations, particularly around border security and anti-terrorism efforts. Pakistan has accused the TTP, a terrorist organization, of using Afghan territory to conduct operations against Pakistani interests. The Taliban, ruling Afghanistan, denies any support or facilitation for such groups, framing the violence as an internal issue for Pakistan to address. This episode exemplifies the complicated dynamics that exist in the region and the challenges both governments face in managing insurgency and military actions across their shared border.
In summary, the reported airstrikes by Pakistan, allegedly resulting in numerous civilian casualties, have sparked significant condemnation from the Taliban government. With assertions from both sides regarding military actions and terrorism, the episode reveals the strained relations and ongoing security concerns along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. As the situation develops, it remains critical to monitor further responses from both governments and the implications for regional stability and security.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
