Afghanistan’s Taliban government on Friday accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes in Kabul and the eastern province of Paktika, alleging violations of its airspace and warning of consequences if such attacks continue.
An explosion hit Kabul’s Abdul Haq Square on Thursday night, near several ministries and the national intelligence agency. Although initial reports described it as an accident, the Afghan Defense Ministry later blamed Pakistan for the attack and another strike in the country’s east.
Pakistan has previously conducted cross-border strikes targeting alleged militant hideouts. Asked about the claims, Pakistani Army spokesman Ahmad Sharif declined to confirm or deny any operation, but said Afghanistan was being used as a “base of operations against Pakistan.”
The Afghan Defense Ministry condemned the strikes as “unprecedented, violent, and heinous,” cautioning Islamabad of repercussions.
Tensions have been rising between the neighbors as Pakistan faces increasing militant attacks linked to the Pakistani Taliban, which Islamabad claims operates from Afghan territory.