Kabul, Feb 26 (NationPress) The Taliban has condemned Pakistan for its recent airstrikes on Afghan territory, labeling it a “shameful act” and has issued a warning of potential military retaliation. They claim that Islamabad has targeted innocent civilians rather than actual militants.

In remarks to Al Arabiya English, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated, “A military response is inevitable, but the specifics are confidential, and I cannot elaborate further. Pakistan must face consequences for its disgraceful actions.”

On February 22, Afghanistan's Ministry of National Defence accused the Pakistani military of conducting lethal airstrikes in civilian neighborhoods of the Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, which led to multiple civilian casualties. Islamabad maintains that it was targeting militant factions responsible for attacks within its borders.

Mujahid reported that a family of 22 was affected in Nangarhar, with 17 fatalities and five injuries. He mentioned that a child was hurt when a school was struck, causing damage to several buildings.

He asserted, “There were no armed persons present. Only civilians suffered injuries and fatalities, and civilian areas were the targets.”

Mujahid dismissed Pakistan's allegations that Afghan territory is utilized for attacks on neighboring countries. He remarked, “Regrettably, whenever incidents occur inside Pakistan, they hastily attribute them to Afghanistan without any proof and accuse us unjustly. We reject this narrative. Afghan soil is not permitted to be used against anyone,” as quoted by Al Arabiya English.

He added that the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) has no operational presence in Afghanistan, emphasizing that the group predominantly controls regions within Pakistan. He noted, “These issues are internal to Pakistan. The TTP has significant control over areas in Pakistan itself. They can operate from there; they do not require Afghan territory. Furthermore, we would not allow them to exploit Afghan land in any case.”

Mujahid highlighted that Pakistan has failed to provide evidence supporting its claims. He accused Islamabad of offering refuge to ISIS instead of fighting against them, as reported by Al Arabiya English.

On February 24, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) confirmed that at least 13 individuals, including women and children, were killed in the airstrikes carried out by Pakistan in Nangarhar and Paktika.

UNAMA detailed that 13 lives were lost and seven others were injured during airstrikes in the Bahsud and Khogiani districts of Nangarhar from February 21–22 between 11:15 p.m. and 1:45 a.m., as reported by Afghanistan's leading news outlet Khaama Press. A school and a mosque were struck in two separate attacks in the Barmal district of Paktika, while a residential home was demolished in the Orgun district of Paktika.

UNAMA condemned the airstrikes conducted by Pakistan, urging all parties to immediately cease hostilities and adhere to international humanitarian law to prevent harm to civilians. They called for transparent investigations and accountability while stressing the necessity for protective measures for those in conflict-affected areas.