Taliban vows response as Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions escalate after alleged airstrikes kill nine kids, woman
PTC Web Desk: Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have intensified once again following alleged overnight airstrikes carried out by Pakistan in three Afghan provinces, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 civilians, including nine children. The strikes reportedly took place on Tuesday night in Paktika, Khost and Kunar provinces.
Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the alleged attacks and asserted that Afghanistan has the “legitimate right” to respond. “We will deliver necessary response at an appropriate time,” Mujahid told Reuters.
In a statement posted on X, Mujahid described the alleged strikes as a “crime” and a serious breach of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. “The airstrikes carried out by Pakistani forces last night constitute a blatant violation of Afghanistan's airspace and a clear contravention of international rules approved by the United Nations and the global community,” he wrote. Mujahid also accused Pakistan of bombing a civilian home in Khost province, killing nine children and a woman, while additional strikes in Kunar and Paktika reportedly injured four others.
Pakistan has yet to issue an official response to the allegations. The recent development comes just over a month after Afghan officials accused Pakistan of conducting drone strikes in Kabul, triggering a brief exchange of cross-border fire. Despite ongoing tensions, a ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey in October was reportedly still in place at the time of the latest incident.
The escalation also follows an attack on Monday targeting the headquarters of Pakistan’s Federal Constabulary in Peshawar. Two suicide bombers and a gunman stormed the facility, killing three officers and injuring 11 others. While no group claimed responsibility, Pakistan suspects the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group allied with the Afghan Taliban. Many TTP leaders are believed to be operating from Afghan soil, a claim Kabul denies.
- With inputs from agencies
