Taliban warn Pakistan against border incursions as newly-trained Afghan commandos showcase readiness, following air strikes that killed civilians in Paktika, Khost, and Kunar provinces.
The Taliban have issued a stern warning to Pakistan, asserting that Afghanistan’s forces are fully prepared to respond to any hostile action along the border. The warning comes after recent cross-border tensions escalated with Pakistani air strikes in Afghan provinces.
During a ceremony showcasing hundreds of newly-graduated commandos, Taliban Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar emphasised that Afghanistan will not tolerate any violation of its territory. The commando units, according to the Taliban Defence Ministry, have received complete ideological and military training to defend the nation’s borders.
“Baradar warned neighbouring countries not to test the patience of Afghans and not to view Afghanistan territory with ill intent,” Khaama Press reported. Helicopter manoeuvres and ground tactical displays were conducted to demonstrate operational readiness, the ministry added.
Religious scholars from Kabul’s 8th district also condemned the Pakistani military regime, saying no foreign power has ever succeeded in conquering Afghanistan. Mohammad Elias Fateh stated, “The Pakistani military regime, which threatens our system, progress, freedom, traditions, and heroism, cannot succeed,” Tolo News reported.
Earlier this week, Pakistani air strikes in Paktika, Khost, and Kunar provinces killed at least 10 civilians, including nine children, while injuring four others. The Taliban labelled the strikes as violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and internationally recognised norms.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the caretaker Afghan government, reiterated Kabul’s right to defend its territory. He posted on X, “These hostile actions by Pakistani forces achieve nothing; they only prove that operations driven by flawed intelligence inflame tensions and expose the ongoing failures of Pakistan’s military regime. An appropriate response will be given at the appropriate time.”
The latest strike reportedly targeted the home of a local resident in Mughalgai area of Khost’s Gurbuz district shortly after midnight on Tuesday, intensifying concerns over escalating border hostilities.
