Pakistan Airstrikes; Taliban Defense Ministry: We Will Respond “at an Appropriate Time”
The Ministry of Defense of the Taliban administration has described Pakistan’s airstrikes last night on border in Paktika Province and Nangarhar Province as a “clear act of aggression” against Afghanistan’s sovereignty, stating that it will deliver an “appropriate and measured” response at a suitable time.
Isteqamat Press – citing an official statement released today (Sunday, February 22), Pakistani fighter jets targeted civilian areas, including homes and religious centers. The statement said the strikes resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of civilians, including women and children.
The attacks reportedly occurred at around 11:00 p.m. on Saturday in districts such as Barmal and Urgun in Paktika Province, as well as in parts of Nangarhar Province, including Khogyani and Behsud.
The Taliban described the strikes as a violation of international law, principles of good neighborly relations, and Islamic values. It further characterized the action as stemming from what it called security and intelligence failures of the Pakistani military.
Border tensions between the two sides have escalated in recent months following Pakistan’s claims that Afghan Taliban authorities are harboring members of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad has described the strikes as “intelligence-based targeted operations” against terrorist sanctuaries, while Kabul maintains that the attacks have targeted civilians.
