December 25, 2024: Pakistan conducted a series of airstrikes on Afghanistan's Barmal district in Paktika province late on December 24, resulting in at least 15 deaths, including women and children, according to reports from Khaama Press. The strikes targeted seven villages, including Laman, where five members of a single family were killed. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and the death toll is expected to rise.

Eyewitnesses reported significant destruction in Murg Bazaar village, one of the hardest-hit areas. Pakistani jets are believed to have carried out the bombings, though official casualty figures have not yet been released.

The Taliban’s Ministry of Defence strongly condemned the attacks and pledged retaliation. "Defending our land and sovereignty is our legitimate right," the ministry declared in a statement. It further revealed that among the victims were Waziristani refugees, emphasizing the civilian toll of the strikes.

The airstrikes come amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants. Islamabad has accused the Afghan Taliban of harboring TTP fighters, who have intensified attacks on Pakistani forces in recent months. However, the Afghan Taliban denies the allegations, asserting that the strikes targeted civilians rather than militants.

This latest escalation underscores the fragile relations between the two nations, raising concerns about further violence and its impact on regional stability.