Afghanistan's Taliban has reported that Pakistani jets conducted two airstrikes within Afghan borders on Monday, March 18, resulting in the deaths of at least eight individuals, including five women and three children. The strikes targeted areas in the eastern border provinces of Khost and Paktika, escalating tensions between the neighbouring nations.
The Taliban's Defence Ministry stated that it responded to the airstrikes by launching heavy weaponry at Pakistani military positions along the border. Al Jazeera cited witnesses who reported three mortar shells being fired from Afghanistan's Paktia province towards the Borki border area of Pakistan, with one shell landing perilously close to a government school.
Earlier, Zabiullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Taliban administration, reiterated its stance in a statement, saying, "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan does not allow anyone to compromise security by using Afghan territory."
Meanwhile, Pakistan's military said it conducted an operation within its borders, specifically targeting the North Waziristan region adjacent to the Afghan border. The military reported that "eight terrorists" were neutralised during the operation, as reported by Al Jazeera.
The recent escalation comes two days after a deadly attack that claimed the lives of seven Pakistani soldiers. Both Afghanistan and Pakistan have been engaged in a blame game regarding the responsibility for recent militant attacks, exacerbating already strained relations between the two nations.
Also read: Pakistani airstrikes target suspected Pakistani Taliban hideouts in Afghanistan, officials say
Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harbouring militants responsible for carrying out attacks on Pakistani soil, particularly pointing fingers at the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and alleging that it operates from Afghan territory.
In response, the Taliban denied these allegations, with the Taliban spokesman Mujahid stating, "Pakistan shouldn't blame Afghanistan for the lack of control, incompetence, and problems in its own territory."
He warned of dire consequences should such accusations persist, indicating potential repercussions beyond Pakistan's control. The Taliban spokesperson further condemned the airstrikes, labelling them a "reckless action" and a clear violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty.
