On 24th December, Pakistan launched an unexpected and “barbaric” airstrikes in the eastern Paktika province of Afghanistan, killing 46 people. Most of those killed were women and children. The Taliban has condemned the attack and called it “barbaric.” According to the Taliban, the airstrikes were an act of “clear aggression.” Media reports, as well as statements from locals and Taliban leaders, indicated that the strikes targeted multiple locations in the Barmal district. Several homes were destroyed in the airstrikes, leading to the deaths of entire families.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the number of deaths. Initially, six children were critically injured in the airstrikes but later succumbed to their injuries. A resident of the area, Maleel, told the media, “Pakistan bombarded four points in the Barmal district. In one house, 18 people from the same family were killed.”

The strikes were reportedly launched to target alleged hideouts of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Reports claimed that a TTP training facility was destroyed, killing 45 insurgents. However, the attacks angered Afghan civilians, and the Taliban Ministry of Defence has vowed to retaliate against the airstrikes.

Taliban vows vengeance, accuses Pakistan of ‘cowardly’ aggression

A strongly worded statement has been issued by the Ministry of Defence of the ruling Taliban, in which they referred to the airstrikes as a “cowardly” act. They declared that Afghanistan has the right to defend its sovereignty. The Taliban warned Pakistan, stating, “The Islamic Emirate will not leave this cowardly act unanswered.”

In a statement, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence said, “Barmal district of Paktika was bombed by the Pakistan Army late today. Most of civilians whom are Waziristani refugees, were targeted, and a number of civilians including children were martyred and injured as a result of the bombings. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan condemns the bombing and considers this barbaric act to be a clear aggression and contrary to all international principles. The Pakistani side should know that such arbitrary actions are not, the solution to the problems. The Islamic Emirate will not let this act of cowardice go unanswered, Rather, it considers defending its territory and soil an inalienable right.”

The Afghan Taliban has further accused Pakistan of using unilateral measures to address its issues with the TTP. Notably, the TTP has increased its attacks on Pakistani forces since the ceasefire ended in late 2022. Kabul has repeatedly denied harbouring TTP militants; however, it has acknowledged that tensions have escalated since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021.

Strikes coincide with diplomatic talks

The airstrikes took place while high-ranking Taliban officials were meeting with Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan in Kabul. Pakistani authorities have not issued any statement regarding the airstrikes. They have neither confirmed nor denied the strikes.

This was the second time since March this year that Pakistan has launched airstrikes in Afghanistan. In the previous airstrike, eight civilians were reportedly killed, leading to cross-border skirmishes. The growing hostility between the two nations followed a recent raid by the TTP near the Afghan border, which resulted in the deaths of 16 Pakistani soldiers.

Rising tensions on the border

Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of providing safe havens for TTP militants responsible for attacks on Pakistani soil. However, Afghanistan has denied the allegations. The Taliban, on the other hand, has condemned Pakistan’s aggressive measures on Afghan soil and deemed them counterproductive.