TLF Special: Kabul Vows Retaliation. Taliban Blames "Rogue Military Circle" for Deadly Pakistani Airstrikes

The so-called Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has issued a severe warning to Islamabad following a series of overnight airstrikes targeting Khost, Paktika, and Kunar provinces. The attacks, which Kabul characterizes as a flagrant violation of national sovereignty, have deepened the geopolitical rift between the two neighbors, with Taliban leadership promising a calculated response to what they term an "unforgivable crime."

In an interview aired on TOLOnews, IEA spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid addressed the escalating crisis during the Farakhabar program. Mujahid confirmed the grim toll of the strikes, stating that ten civilians were "martyred," including one woman and nine children, while eight others sustained injuries. "The people of Afghanistan are determined to protect their land," Mujahid asserted, warning that the defense of the country’s airspace is a legitimate right and that a response will be delivered "at the appropriate and necessary time."

The strikes come amidst a backdrop of rising insecurity in Pakistan, which Islamabad frequently blames on militants operating from Afghan soil—a charge Kabul vehemently denies. Mujahid rejected the logic that Afghan civilians were responsible for security failures within Pakistan, specifically referencing recent incidents in Peshawar. Instead, he argued that Pakistan’s security apparatus is attempting to deflect attention from its own internal incompetence. "To cover up their own security forces' weakness... they commit such crimes," Mujahid stated, suggesting that the Pakistani military is scapegoating Afghanistan to justify its massive budget and lack of results.

Notably, Mujahid drew a sharp distinction between the Pakistani nation and what he termed a "specific military circle" within the Pakistan Army. He alleged that this faction is acting on "orders from an external side," behaving as "mercenary killers" to destabilize the region for the benefit of foreign powers. "They have adopted a policy to engage in enmity with Afghanistan... to lift the blame of Pakistan's tensions and problems from their own military shoulders," he explained.

When pressed on whether military retaliation is on the table, Mujahid remained ambiguous but firm, noting that while security measures are classified, "the response must be given in the same manner that they took action." He emphasized that while the IEA does not seek war, they will not remain passive in the face of aggression.

Diplomatic channels appear to be fraying rapidly. Mujahid revealed that negotiations between Kabul and Islamabad are currently suspended, accusing the Pakistani delegation of "wasting time" during previous talks in Turkey. While acknowledging reports of a potential upcoming visit by a Turkish delegation to mediate, Mujahid expressed skepticism, noting that previous mediation efforts failed because Pakistan was not interested in a "real solution."

As tensions mount along the Durand Line, the IEA maintains that the "main loser" of this conflict will be the instigators within Pakistan. "We were not the starters of war," Mujahid concluded, "but unfortunately, our soil has been subjected to aggression."