Border Clashes Escalate
Tensions escalated after Pakistan allegedly conducted airstrikes in Paktika’s Bermal district, violating Afghan airspace. In retaliation, Afghan forces carried out coordinated strikes across six provinces, including Kandahar and Nangarhar, seizing 20 Pakistani posts. Mujahid claimed Afghan troops killed 58 Pakistani soldiers, wounding around 30, while only nine Afghan fighters were martyred. Fresh clashes erupted after Pakistan resumed firing.
Disinformation and Proxy Wars
Mujahid alleged that the rogue faction operates a disinformation network to mislead both international audiences and the Pakistani public. He warned that ISIS-Khorasan leaders, including Shahab al-Muhajir, are sheltered in Pakistan, and urged Islamabad to expel or hand them over to Afghanistan. “ISIS’s roots are in Pakistan’s Orakzai region,” Mujahid said, emphasizing the cross-border security risks.
Call for Dialogue and Sovereignty Defense
Despite the escalating conflict, the Taliban reiterated commitment to dialogue under Islamic law, while emphasizing Afghanistan’s right to defend its sovereignty. “Afghanistan’s stability is vital to regional peace, but those who seek conflict will find us ready,” Mujahid stated. The spokesman warned Pakistan that continued provocations would have “very negative consequences.”
