Video Shows Pakistan's Airstrikes On Afghanistan's Paktika Province That Killed 20

Last Updated:December 25, 2024, 13:48 IST

The airstrikes targeted militant hideouts of Pakistani Taliban, which have been responsible for several deadly attacks in Pakistan.

The airstrikes killed 20 people in Afghanistan's Paktika province, flaring up tensions between the two countries. (Photo: X)

In a major flare-up, Pakistan launched rare airstrikes on Tuesday night, targeting several suspected hideouts of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The airstrikes killed at least 20 people, including women and children, and prompted a strong reaction from the Taliban.

Pakistani fighter jets bombed four locations in Afghanistan’s Paktika province on Tuesday night, Dawn reported citing sources. The TTP camps in the Murgha and Laman areas of the Bernal district were targeted in the airstrikes.

Videos circulating on social media showed infrared footage of the airstrikes, capturing the destruction of the TTP hideouts. According to Afghan media, the airstrikes caused severe civilian casualties and widespread destruction, further inflating relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Recovery efforts began as further investigation was pending to confirm details about the attack.

Taliban Vows To Retaliate

The Taliban’s Ministry of Defence has vowed to retaliate following the airstrike and said that defending their land and sovereignty is their legitimate right. In a statement, the Afghan Ministry of Defence condemned the “brutal bombing" in Paktika province, saying it targeted civilians, mostly Waziristan refugees.

“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan considers this barbaric act to be against all international principles and a clear aggression, and strongly condemns it," it further said. “The Pakistani side should know that such arbitrary measures are not a solution to any problem."

“The Islamic Emirate will not leave this cowardly act unanswered, but rather considers the defense of its territory and territory to be its inalienable right," the ministry added.

It was the second such attack on alleged hideouts of the Pakistani Taliban since March, when Pakistan said intelligence-based strikes took place in the border regions inside Afghanistan. The strikes came hours after Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, travelled to Kabul to discuss a range of issues, including how to enhance bilateral trade, and improve ties.

Pakistan has accused the TTP of using Afghan soil to launch terrorist attacks on the country, a claim Kabul has denied.

Kabul, Afghanistan

News world Video Shows Pakistan's Airstrikes On Afghanistan's Paktika Province That Killed 20