Taliban Releases Defence Minister’s Picture In Army Uniform

The Taliban’s Defence Ministry has, for the first time, released a picture of Mullah Yaqoob, the defence minister of the group, wearing the uniform of an army general.

In the picture, Mullah Yaqoob is seen wearing a uniform along with his rank as a general.

The Taliban’s Defence Ministry announced that its border forces have targeted military centres of Pakistan along the Durand line using heavy weapons in response to "Pakistan's aggression”.

The ministry stated that its forces are ready to respond to "any aggressive actions”.

Earlier, residents of Dand Wa Patan district in Paktia province, informed Afghanistan International that armed clashes occurred between Taliban forces and Pakistani border guards along the Durand. Local sources said the clashes began at 7 in the morning on Monday.

Local media also reported that residents of Dand Wa Patan have evacuated their homes following missile strikes by Pakistan.

This armed confrontation ensued subsequent to airstrikes conducted on targets in Khost and Paktika provinces by Pakistani air forces.

Earlier, Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban’s spokesperson in a statement said that six individuals had been killed in the airstrikes in Khost and Paktika, including three women and three children.

The Taliban warned that the continuation of these attacks would have serious consequences beyond Pakistan's control.

Local sources told Afghanistan International that Pakistani air forces targeted Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Khost and Paktika provinces in the early hours of Monday.

According to the sources, the attacks took place around 3:00 am in the Spera district of Khost province and Barmal district of Paktika province.