ISLAMABAD: The Afghan Taliban government has accused Pakistan of carryingout airstrikes on Khost, Kunar, and Paktika provinces late Sunday night,claiming several civilian casualties including women and children. TheMinistry of Defence in Kabul described the alleged attacks as a “clearviolation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty”. Pakistani military and foreignoffice spokespersons have denied the reports when contacted by mediaoutlets.
Images circulating on Taliban-affiliated social media accounts purportingto show destruction from the strikes have been identified as oldphotographs from previous conflicts in the region, according to independentverification platforms and local journalists familiar with the areas.
Security analysts suggest the accusations may be linked to growing frictionover cross-border militancy. Despite a declared ceasefire between Islamabadand the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan earlier this year, attacks insidePakistan have continued, with authorities blaming sanctuaries insideAfghanistan.
Observers note that Kabul has repeatedly used claims of Pakistani militaryaction to deflect attention from its inability to rein in anti-Pakistanmilitant groups operating from Afghan soil. Similar allegations surfacedlast year but were later withdrawn quietly.
Defence experts emphasise that whenever the Pakistan Armed Forces conductoperations beyond borders, particularly against terrorist targets, theInter-Services Public Relations or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issuesformal confirmation. No such announcement has been made regarding thelatest claims.
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The episode underscores continuing mistrust between the two neighbours at atime when bilateral ties remain strained over security and refugee issues.
Source: www.dawn.com/news/1913485″>https://www.dawn.com/news/1913485
