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Pakistan Airstrikes in Barmal District, Afghanistan Kill at Least 15, Target TTP Camps and Umar Media Office

Dec 25, 2024, 03:55 AM

On December 24, 2024, the Pakistan Air Force conducted a series of airstrikes targeting Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camps in the Barmal district of Paktika province, Afghanistan. Reports indicate that the strikes aimed at dismantling key TTP strongholds and resulted in significant civilian casualties. Initial estimates suggest at least five individuals, including women and children, were killed, with further reports indicating the death toll could rise to 15 or even 46 based on varying accounts. The Taliban's Ministry of Defense condemned the attacks, asserting that many of the victims were Waziristani refugees. The strikes reportedly targeted not only TTP training facilities but also the Umar Media office, a propaganda hub for the group. The airstrikes have escalated tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with the Taliban vowing retaliation against what they described as a barbaric act. This incident marks a rare instance of Pakistani military operations deep inside Afghan territory, raising concerns about regional stability.