In an interview with Afghanistan International, senior Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that Pakistani fighter jets targeted civilian homes in airstrikes in Kunar and Helmand provinces. He strongly condemned the attacks, which were carried out early on Thursday, October 1st.
According to figures provided by the Taliban spokesman, the bombings resulted in the deaths of 9 civilians, including women and children, with 11 people injured and three residential houses completely destroyed. Mujahid called Pakistan's action a "crime" and a clear violation of Afghanistan's national sovereignty.
The specific areas targeted included the districts of Shaltan and Chogam in Kunar and the Garmsir district in Helmand. Local Taliban officials had also previously confirmed the details of the casualties in each province, stating that the victims were all members of local families.
These statements come as Pakistan's Ministry of Information, while confirming the attacks, claimed to have targeted "terrorist" objectives belonging to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch militant groups. Islamabad announced that "22 terrorists" were killed in the operation, a claim vehemently denied by the Taliban government.
Zabihullah Mujahid emphasized that attacking the homes of defenseless people has no justification and is contrary to all international principles and good neighborliness. He called on Pakistan to end such actions and to resolve issues through diplomatic channels.
Tensions between Kabul and Islamabad over the presence of TTP fighters on Afghan soil, whom Pakistan holds responsible for numerous attacks on its territory, have reached their highest level in recent years. The Taliban government has consistently denied the group's presence in Afghanistan.
Source: Afghanistan International
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