Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan have resulted in 46 fatalities, predominantly women and children, according to a Taliban government official. The strikes, which targeted the Paktika province bordering Pakistan, also left six people injured, Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman for the Afghan government, confirmed on Wednesday.
The operation occurred on Tuesday, with Pakistani security officials, speaking anonymously due to regulations, describing it as an effort to dismantle a training facility and neutralize insurgents in Paktika.
In contrast, Mohammad Khurasani, spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP), claimed the airstrikes caused 50 deaths, including 27 women and children. Local residents reported at least 13 fatalities, though they cautioned the toll could rise, the AP reported. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals.