Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan’s Paktika Province have killed at least 46 people, mostly women and children, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Wednesday, according to AFP.
Mujahid staid that Pakistan targeted four locations in Barmal District late Tuesday. “The total number of dead is 46, most of whom were children and women,” he said, adding that six others, primarily children, were injured.
In response, the Taliban’s Ministry of Defense issued a strong condemnation, labeling the strikes as “clear aggression” and vowing retaliation. “The Islamic Emirate will not leave this cowardly act unanswered,” the statement declared, emphasizing their commitment to defending Afghanistan’s sovereignty.
According to AFP, the Taliban confirmed the victims included both local residents and refugees from Pakistan’s Waziristan region.
The Afghanistan-Pakistan border has long been a source of tension. Islamabad has accused Kabul’s Taliban government of sheltering militants responsible for attacks in Pakistan. The Pakistani Taliban, or
Just last week, the TTP claimed responsibility for an assault on a Pakistani army post near the Afghan border, killing 16 soldiers, according to intelligence officials.
