Kabul Confirms ‘Retaliatory’ Border Attacks Following Pakistani Strikes
The Afghan Taliban government confirmed conducting “retaliatory” attacks across the pakistan-Afghanistan border following pakistani airstrikes last week, escalating tensions between the two nations. The exchanges of fire reportedly occurred at multiple locations including Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral and Baramcha.
The escalation began after the Taliban accused Pakistan of violating Kabul’s ”sovereign territory” on Thursday, alleging Pakistani bombing of a civilian market in Paktika province, southeastern Afghanistan, destroying shops. A top Pakistani general countered that Afghanistan was being used as a “base of operation for terrorism against Pakistan,” reiterating long-standing accusations that the Afghan Taliban are permitting the Pakistan Taliban (TTP) to operate from Afghan land. The Taliban government has consistently denied these claims.
“The firing by Afghan forces on civilian populations is a blatant violation of international laws,” stated a Pakistani official. A Pakistani military spokesman said they would take necessary measures to safeguard Pakistani lives and properties,though the military has not issued an official comment.
Heavy weapons fire from the Afghan side began around 22:00 local time (17:00 GMT) near the Zero Point in Kurram district, according to a local police official.
The developments coincide with a historic week-long trip to India by afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, during which Delhi announced it would reopen its embassy in Kabul, closed since the Taliban’s return to power.
Saudi Arabia, which recently signed a mutual defense pact with pakistan, and Qatar have both called for restraint and dialog between Islamabad and Kabul.
