Afghanistan will henceforth respond to any attacks on its territory from Pakistan, Afghan broadcaster TOLO News reported, citing security sources.
The sources stated that if Afghan territory is bombed, “Islamabad will become a target.” However, they noted that while the Afghan side remains committed to negotiations, it does not perceive similar willingness from Pakistan.
This development follows a Monday report by Pakistan's Dawn newspaper that Afghan-Pakistani talks in Istanbul concluded without agreement. According to the newspaper's sources, the sides failed to reach an understanding on eliminating bases of the Fitna al-Khawarij militant group (formerly known as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan) operating along their shared border.
The latest tensions come despite an October 18 agreement brokered by Qatar and Turkey in Doha for an immediate border ceasefire. A new round of consultations began in Istanbul on October 25, but by the following evening, Pakistan's military reported fresh border clashes, claiming to have eliminated 25 Fitna al-Khawarij militants.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Vladimir Varfolomeev/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS