The Taliban’s Ministry of Defense has stated that “Pakistan’s airstrike on Paktika province will not go unanswered.” According to reports, Pakistani fighter jets bombed the villages of Laman, Margha, and other areas in Barmal district of Paktika province at around 9:00 PM on Tuesday night, December 24.
Preliminary details indicate that approximately 15 people, including women and children, lost their lives in the airstrike on parts of Barmal district in Paktika, and several others were injured. These initial reports cannot be confirmed or denied by VOF, and the casualty and injury figures may change after the release of the final details.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Defense, hours after the incident, posted on its X account that Pakistan had violated Afghanistan’s airspace and conducted an airstrike on a camp for Waziristani refugees in Paktika. Furthermore, the ministry condemned this act, describing it as a blatant violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and international norms, and stated that it would “respond to it.”
The government of Pakistan has not officially commented on this attack yet. However, sources close to the Pakistani military have claimed that the country’s fighter jets targeted hideouts of Pakistani Taliban along its border with Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s airstrike on Paktika comes amid an increase in attacks by Pakistani Taliban (TTP) on Pakistan’s security forces, particularly in tribal areas, in recent months.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Defense has not provided any figures regarding casualties from the incident but stated: “Pakistani fighter jets bombed Waziristani refugees, resulting in the martyrdom of innocent individuals, including women and children.”
Reporter: Jawad Etemad