Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has defended recent airstrikes on Afghan soil as his country’s “right” to defend itself against cross-border terrorism. Citing UN Security Council reports, he warned that those responsible for bloodshed in Pakistan would not remain out of reach .
In response, the Taliban condemned the strikes in Nangarhar and Paktika as “aggression against civilians,” claiming over 20 civilian deaths, including women and children. The Taliban Ministry of Defense vowed to deliver a calculated response at an appropriate time .
Tensions escalated after Pakistan claimed to have targeted TTP hideouts, killing nearly 70 militants—a claim the Taliban rejected. The Taliban view the strikes as an attempt by Pakistan to cover up its own internal security failures .
Zardari defends airstrikes as self-defense; Taliban threatens response
