Pakistan Strikes Afghanistan Hours After Envoy’s Kabul Visit, Taliban Vow To Punish ‘Cowardly Act’

Pakistan airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan on December 24 killed 46 civilians, including women and children, according to the Taliban. The strikes targeted four areas in Paktika province, with Afghan officials identifying many victims as Waziristani refugees. Pakistan’s military claimed the airstrikes targeted “terrorist hideouts,” killing 20 militants from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of harboring militants. The attack followed a deadly raid by the TTP on a Pakistani army outpost. n18oc_crux