Taliban Issues Stern Warning To Islamabad Over Air Strikes In Afghanistan

Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesperson, revealed that air strikes in Khost and Paktika have led to the loss of six lives, including three women and three children.

The Taliban spokesperson refuted claims of Abdullah Shah Mehsud, a commander of the Pakistani Taliban, being in Afghanistan and warned that continued assaults would have dire consequences outside Pakistan's control.

Contrary to some media reports which allege Abdullah Shah Mehsud's death along with his family in the recent air strikes in Khost and Paktia, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan released a video denying his presence in Afghanistan.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Taliban, disclosed on social media platform X, "Pakistani aircraft targeted civilian homes in Barmal district, Paktika, and Spera district, Khost, around 3am last night. This assault resulted in six casualties, encompassing three women and three children.

Mujahid clarified, "Abdullah Shah Mehsud, the Taliban commander alleged by Pakistan to have been the target of this strike, is located in Pakistan."

The Taliban's statement pointed out that the stricken regions are home to individuals who routinely cross the border for familial visits.

They vehemently denounced Pakistan's actions as an infringement on Afghan territory, asserting their stance against any form of aggression on their land. The statement further highlighted, "The Pakistani populace and its new civilian government must halt certain Pakistani military generals from persisting with policies that have historically harmed the camaraderie between the two neighbouring Muslim nations."

The Taliban urged Pakistan not to attribute its internal shortcomings, lack of governance, and problems to Afghanistan.

In a firm denouncement, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan labelled the Pakistani air strikes in Afghanistan as "ruthless," highlighting that the attacks targeted Waziristan refugees within Afghan borders.