Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan : Death toll rises to 46

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• Dec 25, 2024 | Parikalpita Gogoi

Digital Desk : Pakistani airstrikes on eastern Afghanistan claimed 46 lives mostly women and children on Wednesday. The airstrikes in Afghanistan's Barmal district of Paktika province has left six people injured.

This recent development sparked tensions between two neighboring countries Pakistan and Afghanistan, with the Taliban warning of retaliation.

A Taliban spokesperson said, "Last night (Tuesday), Pakistan bombarded four points in the Barmal district of Paktika province. The total number of dead is 46, most of whom were children and women."

Taliban's Defense Ministry condemned the strikes, describing as 'barbaric'. A statement read, "The Islamic Emirate will not leave this cowardly act unanswered, but rather considers the defence of its territory and sovereignty to be its inalienable right."

According to Khaama Press, the Pakistani Taliban, or Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has increased its attacks on Pakistani forces in recent months, with Pakistan accusing the Afghan Taliban of providing shelter to these militants.

Pakistan has seen several militant attacks in the past few decades but the latest was when at least 16 Pakistani soldiers were killed when TTP attacked a checkpoint. Pakistani officials have accused the Taliban of not doing enough to combat militant activities across the border.  

A local resident of Barmal said that the bombardment hit two or three houses. In one house , 18 people family lost their lives. Three people were killed in another house with several wounded taken to a local hospital.