Kabul, 25 December 2024: Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan's Paktika province killed at least 15 people, including women and children, late Tuesday, with the toll expected to rise further, Afghan media reported.
The strikes targeted multiple areas in the Barmal district, with seven villages affected, including Laman, where five family members died, and Murg Bazaar, which was completely destroyed, Khaama Press reported.
Afghanistan's caretaker government denounced the attack as barbaric and vowed retaliation, warning Pakistan against further aggression.
“The Barmal district was bombed by the Pakistan Army, resulting in numerous civilian casualties, including Waziristani refugees,” Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence stated.
“This clear aggression violates international principles. The Islamic Emirate will defend its territory and reserves this right.”
Pakistan has not officially acknowledged the strikes, which come amid escalating tensions over the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad accuses the Afghan Taliban of sheltering TTP militants who have intensified attacks against Pakistani forces.
Kabul continues to deny harboring the group, while Islamabad demands action.