ISLAMABAD: The Afghan Taliban government has strongly condemned overnightairstrikes carried out by Pakistani forces in Paktika, Khost, and Kunarprovinces, describing them as a flagrant violation of Afghanistan’ssovereignty and territorial integrity.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated that the attacks targetedcivilian areas and resulted in casualties, though exact figures were notimmediately disclosed. He warned that Kabul reserves the right to retaliateat a time and place of its choosing.
The strikes reportedly targeted alleged hideouts of the Tehrik-i-TalibanPakistan (TTP), which Islamabad accuses Kabul of sheltering. Pakistan hasnot officially commented on the operation.
Relations between the two neighbours have deteriorated sharply since theTaliban returned to power in 2021, with repeated accusations ofcross-border terrorism and support for militant groups.
Afghan authorities reiterated that they do not allow any group to useAfghan soil against other countries and called on Pakistan to resolvedisputes through dialogue rather than military action.
Local sources in Paktika reported hearing multiple explosions and saidseveral residential compounds were hit. The strikes mark the third suchincursion reported this year.
Read Top Stories
The United Nations and several regional countries have previously urgedboth sides to exercise restraint and prevent escalation along the porousDurand Line border.
Diplomatic channels remain strained, with Afghanistan maintaining thatunilateral actions only deepen mistrust and complicate counter-terrorismcooperation.
Source:www.tolonews.com/afghanistan/taliban-condemns-pakistani-airstrikes-border-areas”>https://www.tolonews.com/afghanistan/taliban-condemns-pakistani-airstrikes-border-areas
