KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) – Afghanistan’s Taliban government condemned Pakistan on Thursday, alleging responsibility for twin drone strikes in Kabul that killed several people and wounded others. The attacks, which occurred Wednesday, represent a meaningful escalation in tensions between the neighboring countries.
The Taliban government asserts the strikes targeted civilian areas, accusing Pakistan of violating Afghanistan’s sovereignty. While no group has claimed responsibility, the Taliban frequently blame Pakistan for supporting insurgent groups operating within Afghanistan, a charge islamabad denies. the attacks come amid heightened border tensions, including recent clashes and the closure of key border crossings.
The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported this week that 37 civilians were killed and 425 wounded in Afghanistan consequently of cross-border clashes with Pakistan. casualties occurred in Paktya, Paktika, Kunar, Khost, Kandahar and Helmand provinces. UNAMA has also documented at least 16 civilian casualties in earlier clashes. “UNAMA calls on all parties to bring a lasting end to hostilities to protect civilians and prevent further loss of life,” the mission stated.
Pakistan has not released figures for civilian casualties on its side of the border. Islamabad repeatedly accuses Afghanistan of harboring militants, a claim the Taliban rejects. Pakistani officials reported Thursday that security forces killed dozens of militants who crossed from Afghanistan into the Mohmand district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
The two countries share a 2,611-kilometer (1,622-mile) border known as the Durand Line, which Afghanistan has never recognized. The recent escalation follows a surge in attacks within Pakistan as 2021, which Pakistani authorities attribute to groups operating from Afghan soil. Both al-Qaida and other militant groups are believed to be attempting to resurface in the region.