Afghanistan, Feb 22 : Afghanistan has issued a stern warning of a “timely, appropriate and calculated response” after Pakistani airstrikes reportedly hit civilian areas in Paktika and Nangarhar provinces, resulting in multiple casualties, according to TOLO News.
The Afghan Defence Ministry described the bombardment as a violation of national sovereignty, international law and principles of good neighbourliness. In a strongly worded statement, it condemned attacks on residential and religious sites, asserting that such actions reflected intelligence and security failures on Pakistan’s part and would not obscure them.
Local reports indicated that several civilians were killed and others injured in the strikes carried out near the border. Kabul alleged that non-military locations were targeted during the operation.
Islamabad, however, maintained that the aerial action was directed at Afghanistan-based militant groups it accuses of orchestrating recent suicide attacks within Pakistan.
Strained ties since 2021
Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have remained tense since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021. The two neighbours have witnessed repeated border skirmishes in recent months, alongside Islamabad’s allegations that Afghan territory is being used as a base for anti-Pakistan militants.
The Taliban administration has consistently denied permitting cross-border attacks, rejecting claims that it shelters armed groups targeting its eastern neighbour.
The latest escalation is expected to further strain diplomatic engagement between the two sides amid growing regional security concerns.