Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province resulted in 15 deaths, including civilians, and provoked a condemnation from the Taliban. The strikes were reportedly aimed at Taliban hideouts amidst rising tensions over terrorism and refugee issues, straining diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
On December 24, a series of Pakistani airstrikes targeted the Barmal district in Paktika province, Afghanistan, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 individuals, including women and children. Seven villages were bombed, with significant destruction reported, particularly in Murg Bazaar and Laman, where an entire family of five was killed. Local sources attributed the strikes to Pakistani military aircraft.
In response, the Taliban’s Ministry of Defence condemned the airstrikes, asserting their entitlement to protect their territory and promising retaliation. They indicated that several of the deceased were “Waziristani refugees.” Enayatullah Khwarazmi, a Taliban spokesperson, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that “civilian people, mostly Waziristani refugees,” fell victim to the attacks.
While officials in Pakistan have denied conducting the airstrikes, security sources have suggested that the intended targets were Taliban hideouts along the border. This military action enhances the existing tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan due to the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants in Afghan territory, which Pakistan alleges are being sheltered by the Afghan Taliban. The Afghan Taliban has strongly denied such claims.
The Waziristani refugees, who were caught in the bombing, represent civilians who have been displaced by military operations within Pakistan’s tribal regions. Islamabad contends that many TTP leaders are taking refuge in Afghanistan under the Taliban’s protection, a stance that Afghan officials contest by emphasizing the significant civilian casualties from these airstrikes. This incident follows a visit by Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, to Kabul for trade discussions, showcasing the deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The recent airstrikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan signify an escalation of military actions amid fraught diplomatic relations between the two nations. The airstrikes targeted areas believed to host Taliban militant positions while simultaneously focusing attention on the refugee crisis from Pakistan’s tribal areas. Following an increase in attacks from TTP militants allegedly based in Afghanistan, Pakistan has heightened alerts regarding cross-border terrorism, leading to tensions that threaten regional stability.
In summary, the Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan have resulted in significant civilian casualties, provoking a stern response from the Taliban while highlighting the complexities of regional security dynamics. The reported targeting of Waziristani refugees raises severe humanitarian concerns amidst a backdrop of political tensions and refugee displacement. As both sides issue conflicting narratives regarding cross-border militant activities, the potential for further escalation remains tangible.
Original Source: www.newsbytesapp.com
