At least 15 people, including women and children, were killed in a series of airstrikes carried out by Pakistan on Tuesday night in Afghanistan's Paktika province. The strikes targeted suspected Pakistani Taliban (TTP) militants and took place in a mountainous region along the border between the two countries. Afghan media reported that seven villages were struck, with one completely destroyed. A training facility was also hit, and several militants were reportedly killed.

The Taliban condemned the airstrikes, labeling them "unilateral" and a violation of international principles. The group accused Pakistan of targeting civilians, many of whom were refugees from the Waziristan region. "This is a brutal act and blatant aggression," the Taliban's Defence Ministry said, further stating that such actions would not resolve any issues. The ministry emphasized Afghanistan's right to defend its territory.

Pakistan has often accused the TTP of launching attacks on its soil from within Afghanistan, a claim that Kabul has denied. The airstrikes occurred shortly after Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, met with Taliban leadership in Kabul to discuss strengthening bilateral ties.

The Pakistani Taliban has become increasingly active since the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement in late 2022, the TTP has ramped up attacks against Pakistani security forces. Pakistan had previously conducted airstrikes against the TTP in Afghanistan’s border areas in retaliation for deadly attacks on its forces.

The recent airstrikes reflect ongoing tensions between the two countries over the presence of militants in Afghanistan and their cross-border activities.