Taliban Condemns Deadly Pakistan Air Strikes Hitting Civilian Homes in Afghanistan

The Taliban government in Afghanistan has accused neighboring Pakistan of carrying out air strikes that hit civilian homes in the provinces of Kabul and Kandahar, killing women and children. The attacks have escalated tensions between the two countries as they grapple with a complex and often hostile relationship.

According to reports, the air strikes occurred over the weekend and targeted areas in Khost, Kunar, and Nimroz provinces, all located along the border with Pakistan. Taliban officials have condemned the strikes, claiming they caused civilian casualties and destroyed homes.

"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan strongly condemns the Pakistani army's attacks on the soil of Afghanistan, which resulted in the martyrdom and injury of the civilians," said Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's deputy minister of information and culture.

The tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan stem from long-standing border disputes, the presence of militant groups operating across the porous frontier, and a general mistrust that has plagued the relationship for decades. The latest air strikes are likely to further strain ties between the two countries as they navigate the complex aftermath of the Taliban's return to power in Kabul.

Pakistan has not directly acknowledged or commented on the reported air strikes, but the country has historically conducted cross-border operations against militant groups it claims are based in Afghanistan. The Taliban, for its part, has vowed to defend Afghanistan's sovereignty and has warned Pakistan against further incursions.

The situation highlights the ongoing challenges facing the Taliban government as it seeks to establish stability and security in the country. With the threat of violence and regional tensions looming, the Taliban will need to navigate these delicate geopolitical dynamics carefully in the months and years ahead.