Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province on December 24 resulted in the deaths of at least 15 individuals, drawing strong condemnation from the Taliban, which vowed retaliation. The strikes are allegedly aimed at Taliban hideouts but have led to civilian casualties, including Waziristani refugees, amidst rising tensions over cross-border militant activities.
On December 24, a series of airstrikes carried out by Pakistan targeted the Barmal district in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 individuals, including women and children. The strikes impacted seven villages, with Murg Bazaar and Laman facing significant destruction. Reports indicated that an entire family of five was killed in Laman. Local sources attributed the airstrikes to Pakistani military aircraft.
In response to the attacks, the Taliban’s Ministry of Defence condemned the strikes and vowed retaliation, asserting their right to protect their sovereignty. The Taliban spokesperson, Enayatullah Khwarazmi, stated that “civilian people, mostly Waziristani refugees,” were among the casualties of the airstrikes. They also alleged that some of the deceased were refugees from Waziristan.
While Pakistani officials have denied conducting airstrikes, security sources suggested that the strikes were aimed at Taliban hideouts near the Afghan-Pakistani border. The airstrikes exacerbated tensions between the two nations as Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of providing refuge to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, who have been launching attacks against Pakistani forces—a claim vigorously denied by Afghan authorities.
The presence of Waziristani refugees in the death toll sheds light on the ongoing volatility in the region. These individuals are civilians who have previously been displaced due to military operations in Pakistan’s tribal areas. The Pakistani government asserts that many TTP leaders have found sanctuary in Afghanistan under Taliban protection, a statement rejected by Afghan officials, who stress the humanitarian impact of such attacks. This development follows recent diplomatic discussions, illustrating the growing strain in relations between Islamabad and Kabul.
The recent airstrikes are set against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, primarily revolving around the activities of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). This conflict has been marked by military operations, allegations of refuge provided by the Afghan Taliban to TTP fighters, and a series of diplomatic attempts to address the issues between the two neighboring countries. The implications of these airstrikes extend beyond military actions, involving significant humanitarian concerns, particularly for displaced populations like the Waziristani refugees.
The airstrikes conducted by Pakistan in Afghanistan’s Paktika province have resulted in considerable loss of civilian life and have intensified the existing tensions between the two nations. The Taliban’s commitment to retaliate highlights the ongoing conflict regarding sovereignty and the treatment of refugees amidst military actions. Diplomatic relations appear to be deteriorating further, as mutual accusations regarding harboring militants continue to complicate peace efforts.
Original Source: www.newsbytesapp.com
