ISLAMABAD: Conflicting reports have emerged from Afghanistan regarding thedeath of Mullah Ibrahim Stanakzai, a senior commander of Tehrik-e-TalibanAfghanistan (TTA), also known as the Afghan Taliban’s military wing.
Local sources in Khost province claimed Stanakzai and eight othercommanders were killed in a targeted attack in Gurbuz district late Mondaynight.
The Afghan Taliban’s chief spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistanof orchestrating the strike, alleging it was carried out to destabilise theIslamic Emirate.
Mujahid claimed the operation bore hallmarks of foreign intelligenceinvolvement and warned of serious consequences if proven.
Pakistan’s foreign office and military spokesperson have remained silent onthe allegations despite repeated queries from journalists.
Analysts say Stanakzai was considered a hardline figure close to theHaqqani network and played a key role in southern operations.
The incident comes amid strained relations between Islamabad and Kabul overcross-border militancy and refugee repatriation issues.
Read Top Stories
Afghan media outlets loyal to the government broadcast images purportedlyshowing the aftermath but independent verification remains difficult.
Previous similar claims of high-profile eliminations in Afghanistan havelater been contradicted by the individuals themselves.
Observers note that internal power struggles within the Taliban sometimeslead to deliberate disinformation campaigns.
Source:www.afghanistannews.af/en/2025/11/khost-incident-sparks-new-tensions”>https://www.afghanistannews.af/en/2025/11/khost-incident-sparks-new-tensions
