Afghanistan’s Taliban warns of right to respond as Pakistan airstrikes kill civilians

Afghanistan’s Taliban government has issued a strong warning to Pakistan, stating that it reserves the right to respond to recent airstrikes on Afghan territory. The statement comes as both countries prepare to meet in Doha for peace negotiations aimed at ending days of violent clashes along their shared border.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid emphasized that while Afghanistan remains committed to a peaceful resolution, the current hostilities are the result of repeated acts of aggression by Pakistan. In posts on X, Mujahid said, “As previously agreed, negotiations with the Pakistani side are scheduled to take place today in Doha. A high-level delegation of the Islamic Emirate, led by Minister of Defense Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, has departed for Doha. However, last night, Pakistani military forces conducted airstrikes on civilian areas in Paktika, resulting in the martyrdom and injury of a number of civilians.”

He strongly condemned the airstrikes, calling them a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and describing them as deliberate provocations intended to prolong the conflict. Mujahid added that although Afghan forces have been instructed to refrain from launching new military operations in order to maintain the dignity of their negotiating team, the Islamic Emirate retains the right to respond to Pakistan’s actions.

According to Tolo News, the Pakistani delegation has arrived in Doha for the mediation talks, including Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief Asim Malik. Local officials in Kandahar reported that clashes between Afghan border forces and Pakistani troops have forced around 20,000 families to flee Spin Boldak. Displaced families are reportedly seeking refuge in deserts and remote areas, where basic facilities and assistance remain limited.

The airstrikes, which targeted residential areas in Paktika’s Argun and Barmal districts, resulted in at least six fatalities, including two children, and left seven others wounded. Among the injured are six women and one child, highlighting the severe civilian toll of the attacks. The strikes have breached the recent ceasefire agreement between the two neighboring countries, further complicating the path to dialogue and peace.

The Taliban reiterated its commitment to regional stability and peaceful negotiations but underscored that Pakistan’s continued military actions undermine the efforts to achieve lasting peace along the border.