Vikrant Shekhawat : Dec 25, 2024, 08:43 AM
Pakistan-Afghanistan News: At least 15 people, including women and children, have died in air strikes carried out by Pakistan on the night of 24 December in Barmal district of Paktika province of Afghanistan. The death toll is expected to rise. According to the Khaama Press report, seven villages, including Laman, were targeted in these attacks, in which five members of the same family were killed. Local sources claim that Pakistani jets were used for this bombing.Destroyed villages and loss of life and propertyAccording to reports, Murgh Bazar village of Barmal was completely destroyed in these attacks. A large number of people are injured, while many civilians have become homeless. The local administration and relief workers are constantly engaged in rescue work, but the situation remains extremely serious. Most of the dead are said to be Waziristani refugees, who were already victims of conflict and displacement.Taliban protest and warning of retaliationThe Taliban's Defense Ministry has strongly condemned the attack and called it an attack on Afghanistan's sovereignty. The ministry demanded an investigation into the attack and warned that they would take all possible steps to protect their land and citizens. Taliban spokesman Inayatullah Khwarazmi said that the Pakistani attack killed "civilian people, mostly children and women". He termed the attack as reprehensible and vowed to retaliate.Pakistan's silence and rising tensionsPakistani officials have not yet made any official statement on this airstrike. However, sources related to the army say that the attack was carried out by targeting Taliban hideouts on the border. The incident could further escalate the already ongoing tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistan has been accusing the Afghan Taliban of sheltering terrorist groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The TTP has intensified attacks on Pakistan's security forces in recent months, increasing tensions between the two countries.The death toll may rise in the coming daysAccording to local sources, 15 bodies have been recovered so far, but more people are likely to be trapped under the debris. Relief and rescue operations are underway, but are being affected due to lack of resources and security concerns.Attack on unarmed civilians: International response neededThis attack may not only further deteriorate relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, but is also a matter of concern for the international community. Such attacks on civilians, especially children and women, are a violation of human rights. The United Nations and international human rights organizations should intervene in this matter and ensure assistance for the affected people.ConclusionPakistani air strikes in Paktika province have killed innocent civilians and left a trail of destruction in the area. This incident is a symbol of deepening tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which can become a major challenge to regional stability and security. Both countries need to find a peaceful solution to this problem, so that the lives of innocent civilians can be saved and regional peace can be restored.