India Condemns Pakistan Airstrikes on Afghanistan, Says Aggression Threatens Regional Peace
India backs Afghanistan's sovereignty after Pakistani strikes in Kunar and Paktika, as tensions between the neighbours escalate.
NEW DELHI, Sept 22: India on Tuesday condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Paktika provinces, saying such military action against a sovereign neighbour undermines regional peace and security.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, speaking at the ministry’s bi-weekly media briefing, said several civilians were killed in the strikes.
“We strongly condemn the attacks from Pakistan, the airstrikes which were launched on Afghanistan in their Kunar and Paktika provinces,” Jaiswal said.
He expressed condolences over the loss of civilian lives and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
Jaiswal also reaffirmed India’s support for Afghanistan’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, along with the welfare of its people.
Pakistan said on Monday that its security forces targeted terrorist camps and hideouts in the border region with Afghanistan, claiming that 28 terrorists, including several suicide bombers, were killed in the operation.
The Afghan Taliban government has rejected allegations that its territory is being used to launch attacks against Pakistan. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the Pakistani strikes in Kunar and Paktika killed three civilians and injured four others.
Mujahid condemned the attacks and said Afghanistan would give an “appropriate response” to what he described as aggression.
The strikes have added to tensions between the two neighbouring countries, which have been strained by Islamabad’s allegations that militant groups operating from Afghan territory are responsible for attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban government has repeatedly rejected those allegations.
