Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghanistan’s Barmal district have sparked widespread condemnation and heightened tensions between the two countries. The deadly bombings, which took place on December 24, have left at least 15 people dead, including women and children, and further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.
Airstrikes Target Barmal District, Leaving a Trail of Devastation
In the night hours of December 24, 2024, Pakistani jets launched a series of airstrikes on Afghanistan’s Barmal district in Paktika province. The attack targeted seven villages, with the worst devastation reported in the Murg Bazaar and Laman regions. At least 15 people, including women and children, were killed, and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
These strikes have left the affected areas in utter ruin. In Laman village, a particularly tragic incident occurred when five members of a single family were killed in the bombings. As rescue teams scramble to recover victims from the debris, many fear the toll may be much higher.
Pakistan’s military jets are said to have been responsible for the deadly bombings, which have intensified the already strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Reports from Khaama Press suggest that Murg Bazaar village saw the most significant destruction, with entire structures flattened. Afghan authorities have yet to provide an official casualty figure, but at least 15 bodies have reportedly been recovered.
Taliban’s Reaction and Retaliation Threats
The Taliban’s Ministry of Defense has strongly condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes, describing the attacks as a “brutal” violation of international law. In a statement, the ministry accused Pakistan of blatant aggression and vowed retaliation. “Defending our land and sovereignty is our legitimate right,” the Taliban said in response.
In addition to the civilian casualties, the Afghan Ministry of Defense stated that many of the victims were refugees from Waziristan, a region on the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. These refugees, escaping conflict in their homeland, now find themselves victims of escalating cross-border violence.
The Taliban also asserted that the Pakistani airstrikes targeted civilians, not militants. However, Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Afghan Taliban of sheltering fighters from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group that has launched multiple attacks on Pakistani security forces. Afghanistan’s government, on the other hand, continues to deny these allegations.
Diplomatic Strains Escalate Amid Growing Tensions
The airstrikes come at a particularly sensitive time. Just days before the bombings, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, visited Kabul for talks on trade and improving bilateral relations. These discussions were intended to ease tensions, but the latest attack has raised questions about the future of diplomatic ties between the two neighboring countries.
The timing of the airstrikes has added fuel to speculation that the already fragile relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan could be on the verge of collapse. While Pakistan’s government justifies its actions as necessary to combat the growing presence of TTP militants in Afghanistan, Afghan officials continue to dispute these claims, arguing that the strikes disproportionately affected civilians.
Many fear that the escalating violence could further destabilize the region, which is already grappling with humanitarian crises and the challenges of rebuilding after decades of conflict. Both countries are facing growing pressure from international communities to de-escalate tensions and seek peaceful resolutions.
The Role of the TTP in the Escalating Conflict
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group that has waged a violent insurgency against Pakistan’s government for years, plays a central role in the growing conflict between the two nations. The TTP, which ended a ceasefire with Pakistan in November 2022, has since ramped up its attacks on Pakistani forces. These attacks have led to numerous casualties on both sides, with several Pakistani soldiers killed in recent months.
Pakistan insists that many TTP leaders and fighters have sought refuge in Afghanistan, particularly in border regions under Taliban control. Islamabad accuses the Afghan Taliban of harboring these militants, despite the Taliban’s repeated denials. Afghan officials argue that the bombings have only targeted civilian populations, including displaced people from regions like Waziristan.
While both sides blame each other for the rising violence, the reality is that innocent civilians are often caught in the middle. As Pakistan continues its airstrikes, it remains to be seen how Afghanistan will respond. The Taliban’s vow for retaliation signals that the conflict could escalate further in the coming weeks.
