The Taliban’s Ministry of Defense has issued a stern warning in response to Pakistani airstrikes on Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. In an official statement, the ministry labeled the attacks a clear violation of Afghanistan’s national sovereignty and declared that their forces would respond to this aggression “at the appropriate time.”
Rejecting Pakistan’s claims of targeting terrorist hideouts, the ministry emphasized that the victims were innocent civilians. Local reports indicate that dozens of people, including women and children, lost their lives in the bombardment. The Taliban described the incident as evidence of the Pakistani army’s intelligence failures and a breach of Islamic values and international laws.
Relations between Kabul and Islamabad have deteriorated sharply in recent months amid rising border tensions. While Pakistan asserts the strikes were retaliatory operations against the TTP and ISIS affiliates, analysts note the Taliban’s response, though angry, shows some restraint. The situation remains volatile as mutual accusations of harboring insurgents continue.
Taliban warns Pakistan of consequences following airstrikes
