The Taliban foreign ministry said on Tuesday it summoned Pakistan’s charge d’affaires to protest recent strikes in eastern Afghanistan, saying Islamabad has targeted civilian areas.
The ministry said it lodged a formal protest over what it described as violations of Afghanistan’s airspace and attacks on civilians in Kunar province.
The ministry condemned the strikes as a breach of Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and international principles, calling them “provocative actions.”
Pakistan on Monday carried out missile strikes in parts of Kunar, including the provincial capital, Asadabad, according to Taliban officials.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said it had documented dozens of civilians killed or wounded in the strikes, underscoring concerns about the impact on noncombatants.
A local hospital official told Amu TV that at least seven people were killed and 78 others wounded.
Taliban rejected Pakistani claims that the violence was initiated from Afghanistan’s territory and said the root causes of the escalation should be thoroughly examined.
It also warned that it reserves the right to defend its territory and population, urging Pakistan to refrain from further strikes. Continued “irresponsible actions” could have serious consequences, the statement said.
Tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban have persisted for more than two months. Despite talks held in China earlier in April, the two sides have yet to ease the situation.
Amid the tensions, border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan remain closed to passengers and commercial traffic.
