Pakistan Airstrikes in Afghanistan Prompt Taliban Warning as Doha Talks Begin

Pakistan conducted airstrikes inside Afghanistan, killing civilians. The Taliban government strongly condemned the attacks. It said Afghanistan reserves the right to respond.

This escalation comes just as both sides were set to begin peace talks in Doha. The timing of the strikes has been called provocative by Taliban officials.

Civilian Casualties and Displacement Mount in Border Regions

Recent Pakistani airstrikes hit Afghanistan’s southeastern Paktika province. Local officials reported at least six people were killed. Among the dead were two children.

Seven other people were wounded in the attacks. The strikes targeted residential areas in the Argun and Barmal districts. This information was confirmed by Tolo News.

The conflict has caused a major humanitarian crisis. Around 20,000 families have been displaced from the Spin Boldak district. These families have fled to deserts with scarce basic facilities.

High-Stakes Diplomacy Underway Amidst Ongoing Violence

A high-level Taliban delegation traveled to Doha for negotiations. The delegation is led by Defense Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid. They are meeting with a Pakistani team that includes Defense Minister Khawaja Asif.

Despite the talks, the situation remains volatile. The Taliban has instructed its forces to refrain from new military operations for now. This is to maintain the dignity of its negotiating team.

According to Reuters, the Taliban insists it wants a peaceful resolution. However, it blames Pakistan entirely for the ongoing aggression. The repeated violations of sovereignty are seen as attempts to prolong the conflict.

The situation on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border remains dangerously tense. Further Pakistani airstrikes could shatter the fragile diplomatic process and trigger a wider regional confrontation.

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What areas in Afghanistan were hit by airstrikes?

The airstrikes targeted the Argun and Barmal districts in Paktika province. These are southeastern regions near the border with Pakistan. Civilian residential areas were affected.

Who is attending the peace talks in Doha?

The Taliban delegation is led by Defense Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid. The Pakistani side includes Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief Asim Malik.

How many people have been displaced by the fighting?

Local officials report that approximately 20,000 families have been displaced. They fled the Spin Boldak district due to the clashes and airstrikes. These families now lack basic living facilities.

What has been the Taliban’s official response?

The Taliban strongly condemns the airstrikes as a violation of sovereignty. It reserves the right to respond but has currently ordered its forces to stand down to facilitate the Doha talks.

Why is this conflict happening now?

Tensions along the disputed border have been simmering for years. The recent airstrikes represent a significant escalation, occurring despite scheduled diplomatic negotiations.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Tolo News