Afghanistan Accuses Pakistan of Airstrikes in Nangarhar and Khost. 3 Killed, 7 Injured in Attacks. Houses Damaged. Taliban Government Strongly Condemns; Pakistan Yet to Respond.
Islamabad. Afghanistan's Taliban government has leveled serious accusations against neighboring Pakistan, alleging airstrikes in its eastern provinces. These attacks, reportedly carried out in Afghanistan's Nangarhar and Khost provinces, have resulted in the deaths of at least three people and injured seven others. Local residents reported that houses and other properties were also damaged in the assaults.
Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry in Kabul, late Wednesday, condemned these attacks and described them as a "provocative action" by Pakistan. The ministry summoned Pakistan's ambassador regarding the matter and issued a b protest.
Afghan Ministry of Defense Issues Stern Warning
Afghanistan's Ministry of Defense also condemned the attacks on Pakistan, stating that such barbaric and cruel actions benefit no one. The ministry added that it fuels tension and animosity between the two Muslim nations. It warned that these irresponsible activities would have severe consequences.
The Taliban also mentioned that Pakistan has previously been accused of conducting airstrikes in Afghanistan targeting alleged hideouts of the Pakistani Taliban. The Pakistani Taliban is a banned terrorist group, held responsible for numerous deadly attacks within the country.
Pakistani Drones Confirmed as Source of Attacks
Maulvi Azizullah Mustafa, the Deputy Governor of Nangarhar, stated that these attacks were carried out by Pakistani drones. Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry clarified that the targets of these strikes were certain areas in Nangarhar and Khost.
According to information, these attacks occurred just one week after a recent meeting of top diplomats from Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan in Kabul. During this meeting, all three countries pledged to enhance cooperation against terrorism and strengthen bilateral relations.
Pak-Afghan Relations
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been strained for a long time. Diplomatic ties between the two countries have deteriorated since the Taliban came to power in 2021. However, three months ago, both nations committed to improving bilateral relations and increasing diplomatic cooperation.
The recent attacks could further complicate this conflict. Afghanistan has consistently accused Pakistan of supporting Taliban and terrorist sanctuaries within its territory. Pakistan, on the other hand, has denied these allegations, and the borders between the two countries frequently remain a focal point of tension.
Impact on Civilians and Security Challenges
Local residents reported that the sounds of the explosions were so loud that they created an atmosphere of fear across the entire region. Houses and other structures sustained damage, and many people were forced to abandon their homes. Security agencies and police forces immediately arrived at the scene, but the damage had already been done.
The Taliban government has advised its citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. They warned that such attacks pose a threat not only to lives and property but also create serious risks for bilateral relations and regional stability. The government and military of Pakistan have not yet made any official comments on these accusations. However, Pakistani media has remained silent on the incident, while the possibility of escalating tensions between the two countries persists.
