Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province on December 24 resulted in at least 15 civilian deaths, including women and children. The Taliban condemned these strikes and announced intentions for retaliation, asserting rights to defend sovereignty. The strikes aimed at Taliban hideouts amid rising tensions over the presence of TTP militants. The conflict has exacerbated the plight of Waziristani refugees in the region.
On December 24, 2023, a series of airstrikes conducted by Pakistani forces targeted Barmal district in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, resulting in the death of at least 15 individuals, including women and children. The strikes affected seven villages, with significant destruction reported particularly in Murg Bazaar and Laman, where an entire family of five was reportedly killed. Local sources attributed the bombings to Pakistani jets.
In response to these attacks, the Taliban’s Ministry of Defence condemned the airstrikes and vowed to retaliate, asserting their right to defend their territory and sovereignty. The Taliban claimed that many of the deceased were Waziristani refugees. Enayatullah Khwarazmi, a spokesperson for the Taliban, noted on X (formerly Twitter) that “civilian people, mostly Waziristani refugees,” lost their lives as a result of this assault.
While Pakistani officials have denied carrying out any airstrikes, security sources indicated that the military’s intent was to target Taliban hideouts situated near the border. This development has emerged amidst escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan concerning the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants within Afghan territory. Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of providing sanctuary to TTP members, who have increasingly attacked Pakistani forces, a claim that the Afghan Taliban has strongly denied.
The Waziristani refugees, who fell victim to the bombardment, are civilians displaced from military operations in Pakistan’s tribal areas. Islamabad asserts that several leaders of the TTP have sought refuge in Afghanistan under the protection of the Taliban, an assertion rejected by Afghan officials, who emphasize the importance of addressing civilian casualties. These airstrikes have occurred following a visit by Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, to Kabul for discussions on trade, raising concerns about deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries.
The ongoing conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has fluctuated significantly over the years, with issues arising from the presence of different militant groups straddling the border. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group active in Pakistan’s tribal regions, has been a point of contention as Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of assisting the TTP. This incident underscores the complexities of Afghan-Pakistani relations, where military operations against non-state actors often impact civilian populations, particularly refugees displaced by prior conflicts.
In summary, the recent Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan have resulted in significant civilian casualties, including the tragic loss of life among Waziristani refugees. The Taliban’s condemnation and promises of retaliation illustrate the ongoing tensions in the region, rooted in accusations of cross-border terrorism and defensive operations. As diplomatic relations appear to be deteriorating, it raises concerns regarding the future stability of both nations amidst rising violence.
Original Source: www.newsbytesapp.com
