Recent bombardment by Pakistani military aircraft in Afghanistan's eastern Paktika province resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 46 individuals, with a majority being children and women, as reported by the Afghan Taliban. Additionally, six people sustained injuries during the bombing that occurred at four different locations in Afghanistan.
The Afghan Taliban has expressed its intention to retaliate following this devastating incident. The Pakistani government and military officials have yet to provide a response to requests for comment regarding the airstrike.
Afghanistan's foreign office has taken action by summoning Pakistan's head of mission in Kabul to deliver a formal protest note to Islamabad concerning the bombing. The Ministry of National Defence spokesperson, Enayatullah Khowrazmi, condemned the attack as a violation of international principles and an act of aggression, emphasizing that the Islamic Emirate will not let this act go unanswered.
According to a Pakistani official familiar with the situation, the airstrikes were targeted at a camp belonging to the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) Islamist militant group. While the TTP is linked to the Afghan Taliban, it operates independently with the goal of enforcing Islamic law in Pakistan.
The victims of the bombardment were identified by Afghanistan's defense ministry as primarily Waziristani refugees, indicating their origin from Pakistan's Waziristan region. The strained relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been exacerbated by accusations from both sides regarding cross-border attacks and airstrikes.
Notably, Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring TTP militants responsible for attacks within Pakistan, while the Afghan Taliban has refuted these claims. The recent incident follows previous tensions, including allegations of Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory earlier this year.
As the situation unfolds, both countries face challenges in managing their complex relationship amidst ongoing security concerns and regional dynamics.
