Kabul: In a series of airstrikes conducted by Pakistan in the Barmal district of Afghanistan's Paktika province, at least 46 people, including women and children, have lost their lives. The attacks, which occurred on the night of December 24, targeted seven villages, with Murg Bazaar and Laman among the worst hit. Reports indicate that five members of a single family were killed in Laman. The death toll is expected to increase as recovery efforts continue.  

"Last night (Tuesday), Pakistan bombarded four points in the Barmal district of Paktika province. The total number of dead is 46, most of whom were children and women," spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said.

Local sources and the Taliban's Ministry of Defence claim that Pakistani jets carried out the strikes. Murg Bazaar village was reportedly destroyed, worsening the region's humanitarian crisis.  

Taliban Ministry of defence condemns attack

The Taliban's Ministry of Defence has strongly condemned the airstrikes, asserting their right to defend Afghanistan's land and sovereignty. A spokesperson stated that "Waziristani refugees" were among the casualties, accusing Pakistan of targeting civilians.

Enayatullah Khwarazmi, the Defence Ministry spokesperson, posted on X, "Several children and other civilians were martyred and wounded."  

The Taliban has vowed to retaliate, signalling a potential escalation in the already tense relationship between the two nations.  

Pakistan blames Afghanistan for shelter to TTP militants 

While Pakistani officials have yet to officially confirm the airstrikes, military sources suggest the operation targeted Taliban hideouts near the border. The attack comes amid rising tensions over the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants in Afghanistan.  

The TTP has ramped up attacks on Pakistani forces in recent months, with Islamabad accusing the Afghan Taliban of providing refuge to these militants. In response, the Taliban has denied collaborating with the TTP, insisting that the refugees targeted in the airstrikes were civilians displaced by Pakistan's military operations in tribal areas.  

The airstrikes have intensified the humanitarian crisis in the region, with widespread destruction and numerous civilian casualties reported.

ANI