Acting Afghan Defense Minister in the Taliban government* Mohammad Yaqub said that Afghanistan will no longer tolerate "incursions" like Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghan provinces, local Khaama Press reported.
"Afghanistan continues to face serious challenges from both the world and from neighboring countries, a prime example of the latter being Pakistan's recent invasion of Khost and Kunar provinces. We have a responsibility both to protect our country and our people... This time we endured the invasion in our national interest, and next time we might not," Yaqub said.
Earlier, it was reported that Pakistan carried out air strikes in the border provinces of Khost and Kunar in Afghanistan last Friday, killing up to 50 people. Protests against Pakistan's actions took place over the weekend in a number of Afghan provinces, including Khost and Kunar neighboring Nangarhar province.
Amir Khan Muttaki, acting Foreign Minister in the Taliban government, summoned Pakistani Ambassador to Kabul Mansour Ahmad Khan and protested to him over the airstrikes. The foreign ministry of Pakistan, in turn, said there was a sharp increase in attacks from Afghanistan and called on the Pakistani government to ensure security in the border area.
*Organization is under UN sanctions for terrorist activities
GSV "Russia - Islamic world"
Photo: Creative Commons
Based on materials from RIA Novosti