Pakistan airstrikes on Afghanistan target suspected TTP hideouts, killing 15 civilians, escalating tensions. Taliban vows retaliation as diplomatic efforts falter.
In a rare and highly controversial move, Pakistan airstrikes on Afghanistan have intensified regional tensions, drawing global attention to the fragile relations between the two neighbors. On December 24, Pakistan targeted suspected Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) hideouts in Afghanistan’s Barmal district, Paktika province, resulting in significant casualties and destruction. This development comes amid ongoing accusations that Afghanistan is harboring Pakistani militants, a claim the Afghan Taliban has repeatedly denied.
The Airstrikes: What Happened?
The airstrikes reportedly dismantled a TTP training facility but tragically caused the deaths of at least 15 individuals, including women and children. Villages like Laman and Murg Bazaar bore the brunt of the strikes, with widespread destruction reported. According to local sources, five members of a single family were killed in Laman, highlighting the devastating impact on civilians.
The Khaama Press reported that seven villages were targeted in total, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis in the region. Recovery efforts are underway, but the death toll is expected to rise as more details emerge.
Taliban’s Response to Pakistan Airstrikes on Afghanistan
In a strongly worded statement, the Taliban’s Ministry of Defence condemned the attacks, describing them as a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. The Taliban vowed retaliation, emphasizing their “inalienable right” to defend Afghan territory.
“The Islamic Emirate will not leave this cowardly act unanswered but rather considers the defense of its territory and sovereignty to be its legitimate right,” stated the Afghan defense ministry.
This stern response indicates that the situation could escalate further, risking broader instability in the region.
A Growing Rift: Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations Under Strain
The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been fraught with tension, particularly following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of providing shelter to TTP militants, who have intensified their attacks on Pakistani forces.
The TTP, a separate but ideologically aligned faction, has stepped up its activities since November 2022, after unilaterally ending a ceasefire with the Pakistani government. In recent months, TTP attacks have killed and injured dozens of Pakistani soldiers and police officers, escalating the conflict further.
Pakistan’s Second Strike Since March
This is not the first time Pakistan has conducted such operations. In March, Pakistan carried out intelligence-based strikes on TTP hideouts in Afghanistan’s border regions. These airstrikes reflect Pakistan’s growing frustration with the Afghan Taliban’s inability—or unwillingness—to act against TTP militants operating from Afghan soil.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Afghanistan
The airstrikes have intensified Afghanistan’s already dire humanitarian crisis. Villages like Murg Bazaar have been destroyed, displacing residents and leaving many without shelter. The loss of civilian lives, including women and children, has sparked outrage and calls for accountability.
International humanitarian organizations have expressed concern over the rising civilian toll, urging both Pakistan and Afghanistan to prioritize dialogue over violence.
Diplomatic Efforts Fall Short
Hours before the airstrikes, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, visited Kabul to discuss bilateral trade and regional security. However, these talks failed to prevent the escalation, highlighting the fragile and often ineffective nature of diplomacy in the region.
The Afghan defense ministry criticized Pakistan’s unilateral actions, stating that such measures would not resolve the underlying issues. Instead, they called for cooperative efforts to address mutual concerns.
What’s Next? The Road Ahead
The Pakistan airstrikes on Afghanistan underscore the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution to the growing conflict. With both nations facing domestic challenges—Pakistan grappling with TTP insurgency and Afghanistan struggling with economic collapse—continued hostilities could have devastating consequences for regional stability.
The international community must play a role in mediating between the two nations, ensuring accountability and promoting peace in a region that has long suffered from conflict.
