Pakistan Air Strikes Leave 46 Dead in Afghanistan

Pakistan’s air strikes on Wednesday in the eastern Paktika province of Afghanistan resulted in the deaths of 46 individuals, primarily women and children, Arab News reported citing Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. The strikes targeted four locations in the Barmal district late Tuesday night.

In addition to the fatalities, six others were reported injured, most of whom were also children. The Afghan defense ministry condemned the attacks, labeling them “barbaric” and “a clear aggression.” They asserted that the Taliban government would respond to this act, emphasizing their right to defend Afghan territory and sovereignty.

Tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border have escalated since the Taliban took control in 2021, with Pakistan accusing the Taliban of harboring militant groups that launch attacks into its territory. The Taliban has consistently denied these allegations, leading to ongoing hostilities between the two nations.