The Taliban has come down heavily on Pakistan over accusations that Afghan territory is being used by militant groups to launch attacks across the border, warning Islamabad against carrying out military operations inside Afghanistan.
The airstrikes targeted Khost, Kunar and Paktika provinces in Aghanistan, reported news agency Associated Press , according to Taliban chief spokesperson. Earlier in June, at least 13 people were killed and 14 others were wounded in airstrikes by Pakistan , said Afghanistan.
In an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya English , Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghanistan would defend its sovereignty if Pakistan carried out strikes inside the country. “If Pakistan invokes Article 51 to violate the sanctity of Afghan territory, Afghanistan has the right to defend its country, and we will do so,” he said as quoted by the publication, warning of a “crushing response” to any violation of Afghan sovereignty. His remarks came in response to allegations made in an earlier Al Arabiya English interview with the spokesperson for the Pakistani army, who said Afghan territory was being used for such activities. He also said Pakistan should address its security challenges internally rather than blame Afghanistan, arguing that unrest involving the TTP and Baloch groups predates the Taliban’s return to power. Despite the tensions between the two countries, Mujahid said Afghanistan wants dialogue with Pakistan. The assault triggered a fierce gunbattle that left six Federal Constabulary personnel dead and several others injured, according to Pakistan’s Interior Ministry. Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi also attended funeral prayers for the dead personnel in Peshawar, the AP report said.
