KABUL – As tensions continue unabated between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Taliban launched attacks on multiple locations in Pakistan in retaliation for recent airstrikes, in which dozens of TTP militants were killed.
A statement issued by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence said their forces targeted multiple points in Pakistan, near border region. It termed several points as hideouts and centers of malicious elements involved in planning attacks on neighboring countries, while no specifics on casualties were provided.
Taliban govt official Enayatullah Khowarazmi said Kabul does not recognize the international land border, and therefore did not confirm that the attacks were inside Pakistan.
This escalation follows Pakistani airstrike earlier this week, which Afghan officials said resulted in scores of casualties. Pakistan said the airstrikes aimed at militant hideouts along the border as two sides are facing heat due to TTP which is having safe havens under the protection of Taliban government.
The strained relationship between the two nations continues to be a source of regional instability, and it also sounds alarm about the escsalation in skirmishes in restive border region. Islamabad lamented the behavior amid support for Afghanistan’s development and sovereignty. Recently, Afghanistan protested Pakistani airstrikes targeting the TTP in Paktika, as Pakistan has long raised concerns over cross-border terrorism from Afghan soil.
Pakistan’s military action aimed at neutralizing TTP militants was a response to increasing attacks on Pakistan, but the Afghan Taliban criticized the strikes, accusing Pakistan of violating sovereignty. Afghanistan’s failure to address Pakistan’s security concerns and continued tolerance of anti-Pakistan groups fueled ongoing hostility.
Foreign Office clarifies Pakistan’s position on airstrikes in Afghanistan amid tensions
