Kabul: The Ministry of National Defense in Afghanistan strongly condemned an airstrike carried out by Pakistani military in Barmal district of Paktika province. Speaking on the matter, the spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense described the attack as a “barbaric act” that violates international principles and constitutes clear aggression. The ministry emphasized that defending Afghanistan’s land and sovereignty is an inalienable right and assured that this act would not go unanswered.
The airstrike, which occurred on Tuesday night, targeted seven villages, including Laman and Murgh Bazar. Local sources reported that the bombing primarily affected civilians, including Waziristani refugees, many of whom had fled their homes in Pakistan’s tribal areas due to earlier military operations. At least 15 people, including women and children lost their lives and many others were injured. The number of casualties is expected to rise as rescue operations continue. Entire villages have reportedly been destroyed, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan stated that arbitrary actions like these by Pakistan do not solve any problems but instead fuel tensions further. Enayatullah Khwarazmi, the Defense Ministry spokesman, strongly refuted Pakistan’s claims that the airstrike targeted Taliban hideouts. He stated that the victims were mostly innocent civilians, including children and shared his outrage in a post on X.
Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan
This bombing incident added to the already tense relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Pakistan alleged that Afghan Taliban is providing shelter to militants from the Pakistan Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These militants have reportedly escalated attacks on Pakistani forces in recent months. Afghan officials, however, deny these claims, asserting that their territory is not being used as a safe haven for TTP fighters.
Pakistani officials have not yet officially confirmed the airstrike. However, sources close to the Pakistani military have suggested that the attack aimed to target TTP militants near the border. This explanation has done little to ease concerns in Afghanistan, where officials view the strikes as an attack on civilians rather than a military operation.
Destruction due to airstrikes
The airstrikes have left significant destruction in their wake. Murgh Bazar village in Barmal district was reportedly destroyed, displacing families and leaving survivors in desperate need of aid. Waziristani refugees, who had already endured the hardships of displacement, are among the worst affected.
Tensions between the two countries continue to escalate, with Afghanistan accusing Pakistan of unjustified aggression and Pakistan maintaining that it is responding to growing threats from TTP militants allegedly operating from Afghan soil.
