Taliban Condemns Pakistan Airstrikes, Vows Retaliation After Civilian Deaths
The Taliban government has accused Pakistan of violating Afghan airspace and killing civilians in airstrikes targeting villages in the Paktika and Khost provinces. The Taliban’s Ministry of Defense declared that its forces stand ready to counter any aggression: “The defense and security forces of the country are ready to respond to any aggressive actions and will defend their territorial integrity in any situation.”
According to the Taliban, Pakistani warplanes bombed homes in the Barmal district of Paktika province and the Seperi district of Khost province. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the strikes as an “irresponsible move” and a flagrant violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty. Mujahid reported that women and children were among the casualties and warned that such attacks could lead to “terrible consequences” for Pakistan.
Pakistan claims it targeted the residence of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander Abdullah Shah. Both the Taliban and the TTP deny Shah was present in the area. In a video published on social media, Abdullah Shah appeared with several armed men and said he was in South Waziristan. “This propaganda that is being spread is baseless. Today is the seventh day of Ramadan and the 18th of March. We have been active in our South Waziristan Dara Shawal since the beginning. We have not gone anywhere, and we are still living here,” Shah stated.
Mujahid emphasized the interconnectedness of communities along the border: “There is a tribe living on both sides of the region that travels daily and has many relatives.” He urged Pakistan to reconsider its approach, stating, “Pakistan should not blame Afghanistan for the lack of control, incapacity, and problems in its territory.”
The Taliban insists it does not allow its territory to be used against any other country. This incident underscores the escalating tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan stemming from the disputed presence of TTP militants in Afghanistan. Pakistan alleges that the Taliban provides safe haven to TTP fighters who then launch cross-border attacks. The Taliban repeatedly refutes these accusations.
In response to the airstrikes, the Taliban said their border forces retaliated with cannons, targeting Pakistani military centers along the border.
In a separate press release, the TTP accused Pakistan of ruthlessly bombing civilians forced to migrate to Afghanistan due to Pakistani oppression.
The airstrikes follow inflammatory allegations made by Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan, Asif Durrani, who claims India is funding the TTP through intermediaries in Afghanistan. The Taliban government has yet to respond to these accusations formally.