Pakistan Afghanistan Airstrike Toll: 49 Injured
The Pakistan Afghanistan airstrike toll now includes 49 injured people. UNAMA confirmed that women and children were among the casualties. The Taliban condemned the attacks, calling them a “cowardly act” and an “atrocity.”
Pakistan said it targeted militant hideouts in the provinces of Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar. Although the neighbouring countries agreed to a ceasefire last October, that fragile agreement has now collapsed.
The Village Attack
Mandokhail village suffered the worst damage. Taliban officials said most casualties occurred there. Adam Khan described the aftermath to AFP. “I cannot put into words the condition of the children I saw at the hospital, or the screams of their parents and siblings.” One airstrike destroyed a house where children, women, and elderly people were sleeping. The attack killed everyone inside and devastated the local community.
Response and Reactions
The Taliban vowed to respond, accusing Pakistan of crossing every boundary. Diplomatic tensions have continued to rise after weeks of previous cross-border clashes. Pakistan defended the operation, saying it acted in self-defence against militant threats. Officials argued that cross-border attacks have forced the country to take military action.
Human rights organisations expressed deep concern and called for an independent investigation. They stressed that all parties must protect civilians under international humanitarian law. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely. Regional stability remains uncertain, making renewed diplomatic efforts increasingly important. Further violence will only deepen the humanitarian crisis.
