The Taliban in Afghanistan accused Pakistan of carrying out two air strikes in Afghan territory, resulting in the deaths of five women and three children. The strikes occurred amid heightened tensions between the two neighboring countries, with Pakistan blaming recent militant attacks on Afghan soil and Afghanistan's Taliban denying any involvement.
Zabiullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Taliban administration, condemned the strikes as a violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty, stating that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan does not allow anyone to compromise security using Afghan territory. The strikes reportedly took place in the eastern border provinces of Khost and Paktika.
While Pakistan's army and foreign office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the strikes, the incident follows an attack on a Pakistani military post on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of seven security forces. Pakistan has attributed such attacks to militants operating from Afghan soil, particularly the Pakistani Taliban (TTP).
However, the Afghan Taliban have denied providing sanctuary to militants and have urged Pakistan not to blame Afghanistan for security issues within its own territory. Mujahid warned that such incidents could have adverse consequences beyond Pakistan's control.
