In a recent statement, the Taliban’s Ministry of Defense has condemned the Pakistani airstrikes on displaced Waziristani refugees in Barmal district of Paktika province. The statement reads:
“This evening, Pakistani forces carried out airstrikes in the Barmal district of Paktika province. These airstrikes targeted ordinary civilians, most of whom are Waziristani refugees. Several civilians, including children, were martyred and injured in this attack.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan considers this brutal act a blatant violation of all international norms and an act of aggression, which it strongly condemns.”
The Taliban’s Defense Ministry further warned, stating, “The Pakistani side should realize that such unilateral actions are no solution to any problem. The Islamic Emirate will not leave this heinous act unanswered and considers it its right to defend its territory and sovereignty.”
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Pakistan has targeted civilians within Afghanistan. Similar airstrikes were conducted last year, which were also met with mere condemnation from the Taliban government in Kabul.
