On the night of December 24, 2024, Pakistan carried out a series of airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Barmal district, located in Paktika province. The bombings resulted in the deaths of at least 15 individuals, including women and children, with reports suggesting the casualty count could rise as rescue operations continue.
According to local sources, the airstrikes targeted seven villages, causing extensive damage. Laman village alone saw five members of a single family lose their lives, while Murg Bazaar village suffered significant destruction. Pakistani jets are reported to have conducted the attacks, sparking outrage and condemnation from Afghan authorities.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Defence labeled the airstrikes as a “brutal act” that violated international principles. “Defending our land and sovereignty is our legitimate right,” the ministry declared, further asserting that many of the victims were displaced civilians, including Waziristani refugees.
The airstrikes come amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants on Afghan soil. Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban of harboring TTP fighters, who have increasingly targeted Pakistani forces. Afghan officials, however, have refuted these allegations, maintaining that the airstrikes primarily impacted civilians rather than militants.
In recent months, the TTP has intensified its attacks on Pakistani security forces, ending a ceasefire in late 2022. These attacks have heightened security concerns within Pakistan, as dozens of soldiers have been killed or injured.
The timing of the airstrikes raises questions about the state of diplomatic relations between the two neighboring nations. Just days before the attacks, Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, visited Kabul for discussions on trade and bilateral ties. The strikes have since fueled speculation about further strain in relations, complicating already tense negotiations.
The Taliban has vowed retaliation, with its Ministry of Defence stating that such actions will not go unanswered. “The Islamic Emirate will not leave this cowardly act unanswered but rather considers the defense of its territory to be its inalienable right,” the ministry asserted.
The incident exacerbates the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, where displaced civilians are already grappling with dire conditions. The bombings have worsened the situation, drawing criticism from international observers concerned about civilian casualties and regional stability.
As tensions between the two nations escalate, the potential for further conflict looms, raising alarms about the broader implications for peace and security in the region.
