The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday issued a strong rebuke to Pakistan's recent airstrikes on Afghan territory, describing the attacks as yet another instance of Islamabad's long-standing tendency to deflect its internal failures onto its neighbours.
The airstrikes were conducted on Dec. 24 in Afghanistan's eastern Paktika province. However, the attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 46 people, including several women and children, and left six others—mostly children—injured, according to Afghan officials.
"We unequivocally condemn any attack on innocent civilians," said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs. "It is an old practice of Pakistan to blame its neighbours for its own internal failures. We have also noted the response of an Afghan spokesperson in this regard."
The airstrikes devastated seven villages in Paktika province, with the district of Barmal bearing the brunt of the attack. Laman village suffered significant losses, including five members of a single family. The incident has inflamed tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, where sporadic clashes erupted following the strikes.
In a press release, Afghanistan's foreign ministry denounced Pakistan's actions, noting, "Blaming neighbouring countries for internal issues has long been a practice of Pakistan."
Taliban spokespersons have also signaled an intention to respond to the attack. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence announced the activation of the Milan Konkursi (9M135) guided missile system, a sophisticated weapon capable of targeting armored tanks, warships, and low-altitude helicopters. The ministry confirmed that 13 personnel have been trained in operating the system, signaling a potential shift in Afghanistan's defensive posture.
(With inputs from PTI).
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