In a recent escalation of tensions, the Taliban in Afghanistan has reported that Pakistani jets conducted two airstrikes within Afghan borders, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least eight individuals, including five women and three children. The incidents occurred in the eastern border regions of Khost and Paktika. Responding to these attacks, the Taliban launched heavy weapons towards the Pakistani military.
According to the Taliban's defense ministry, the strikes targeted Pakistani troops along the border in retaliation for the airstrikes. Witnesses recounted that three mortar shells were fired from Afghanistan's Paktia province towards the Borki border area in Pakistan, with one landing dangerously close to a government school.
Zabiullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Taliban administration, emphasized, "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan does not permit anyone to compromise security by using Afghan territory."
Meanwhile, Pakistan's military confirmed its operation within its own borders, specifically in the North Waziristan region adjacent to Afghanistan. According to reports, the military stated that "eight terrorists" were neutralized during the operation.
The recent airstrikes follow closely after the loss of seven Pakistani soldiers just two days prior. Both countries have been pointing fingers at each other regarding a series of militant attacks in Pakistan. Pakistani officials attribute these attacks, many of which have been claimed by the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), to insurgents operating from Afghan soil. Pakistan asserts that armed militants are infiltrating from Afghanistan to carry out these assaults.
However, the Taliban has refuted these claims, placing the blame on Pakistan for its internal security challenges. Mujahid remarked, "Pakistan shouldn't attribute Afghanistan for the lack of control, incompetence, and problems within its own borders." He warned of potential dire consequences resulting from such incidents, emphasizing that they could spiral beyond Pakistan's control.
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