Taliban officials report that airstrikes by Pakistan killed at least 46 people in Barmal, Paktika province, predominantly women and children. Pakistan counters that the strikes targeted TTP positions. The Afghan Ministry condemned the strikes as barbaric and an act of aggression, asserting the need for accountability as tensions between the two nations persist.
The Taliban government in Afghanistan reported that an aerial assault purportedly conducted by the Pakistani military resulted in the deaths of at least 46 individuals in the eastern border region. Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Taliban, indicated that the bombardment occurred in Barmal, a district in Paktika province, targeting multiple sites. He characterized the victims as predominantly children and women, emphasizing that six additional civilians sustained injuries. However, independent verification of these claims remains elusive.
In response to the allegations, Pakistani security personnel, who spoke under conditions of anonymity, acknowledged that precision airstrikes were executed in Barmal to neutralize sites associated with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad has maintained that the TTP conducts attacks against Pakistani citizens from sanctuaries within Afghanistan. Amidst this crisis, the Afghan Ministry of National Defense condemned the alleged strikes, denouncing them as “barbaric” and a violation of international law.
The Afghan officials asserted that both Afghan civilians and Pakistani refugees suffered due to the military actions, calling for accountability. The Ministry stated, “The Islamic Emirate considers this brutal bombing a violation of international principles and a clear act of aggression.” They further cautioned that such attacks would not go unaddressed.
This incident unfolded shortly after a TTP attack on Pakistani security forces, indicating the heightened tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. The Taliban leadership, during concurrent meetings with a Pakistani delegation, has persistently denied that Afghan territory serves as a base for TTP operations, labeling the violence as Pakistan’s internal concern.
The ongoing violence along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border has created a complex security situation, particularly involving the Taliban and the TTP. Pakistan holds the TTP responsible for a series of deadly attacks, claiming they operate with impunity from Afghan territories. The aerial strikes reported by the Taliban occur in the context of strained relations, with past engagements between Taliban leaders and Pakistani officials being intermittently resumed amid frequent accusations of terrorism and aggression.
In summary, the allegations by Taliban officials regarding the airstrikes attributed to Pakistan underscore the volatile security dynamics in the region. Both sides continue to grapple with accusations of transgressions, complicating their diplomatic engagements. The Taliban’s strong denunciations and Pakistan’s counterinsurgency efforts highlight an ongoing conflict that remains unresolved, necessitating careful scrutiny and diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
