Pakistan escalated tensions with Afghanistan, launching airstrikes that claimed the lives of at least 15 people, including women and children, with fears of a rising death toll.

Visuals showed attack aircraft speeding towards the target during the dark hours, resulting in widespread destruction with fires raging and people running in intense chaos and fear.

According to reports, the airstrike occurred at night, targeting seven villages, including Laman, where five family members lost their lives. Local sources alleged that Pakistani jets carried out the bombings. The ongoing humanitarian crisis has reportedly worsened in Murg Bazaar village in Barmal, which was destroyed.

While Pakistani officials have not confirmed the airstrike, security sources linked to the military claimed the operation targeted Taliban hideouts near the border. The Taliban government in Afghanistan has vowed to retaliate, stating that defending their land and sovereignty is their legitimate right.

The airstrikes caused severe civilian casualties and widespread destruction, escalating regional tensions. Recovery efforts began shortly after the strike. The Taliban’s Ministry of Defence condemned the attack, asserting that Waziristani refugees were among the victims. Enayatullah Khwarazmi, a spokesperson for the ministry, denied Pakistan’s claims, posting on X (formerly Twitter) that civilians, including children, were killed or injured in the attack, though no official casualty figures were provided.