Pakistan Denies Airstrikes in Afghanistan, Blames Taliban for Tensions

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Pakistan's military has dismissed claims by the Afghan Taliban government that the country launched airstrikes in three eastern provinces, killing 10 people, mostly children. The alleged strikes occurred in the provinces of Khost, Kunar, and Paktika, with the Taliban accusing Pakistan of 'atrocities' and violating Afghan territory. According to the Taliban's chief spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, the airstrikes targeted a civilian home in Khost, killing nine children and a woman. However, Pakistan's military spokesperson, Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry, denied the claims, stating that Pakistan does not target civilians. He attributed the recent violence in the region to the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), saying that strikes carried out in October targeted the hideouts of TTP fighters. The TTP is a separate group from the Afghan Taliban but has ties with them. The recent escalation comes after a month-long lull in tensions between the two countries, following a ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey in October. Iran has offered to play a role in defusing tensions between the two nations. Local residents in Khost have expressed outrage over the alleged airstrikes, with one resident describing the scene as 'cruelty with your own eyes.' The incident has raised concerns about the safety of civilians in the region, particularly in the wake of recent attacks targeting Pakistan. Pakistan has intensified its operations against militants in recent weeks, killing over 1,800 militants since January. The country has also accused Afghanistan of providing support to militants, a claim denied by the Afghan government. The situation remains tense, with bilateral trade and movement of people between the two countries stalled since last month.