Afghanistan Accuses Pakistan of Airspace Violation and Airstrikes

Afghanistan's interim administration has formally accused Pakistan of conducting unauthorized military incursions into its airspace, including airstrikes targeting a civilian market in the eastern Paktika province near their shared border. The Afghan Defense Ministry issued a strong condemnation Friday, describing the alleged violations as encompassing both the capital Kabul and border regions in what it characterized as an unprecedented escalation between the neighboring nations.

In an official statement released through social media platform X, the Afghan Defense Ministry condemned what it termed "an unprecedented, violent, and reprehensible act in the history of Afghanistan and Pakistan." The statement warned that "no matter how critical the situation becomes, the consequences will be borne by the Pakistani army," while asserting Afghanistan's legitimate right to defend its territorial sovereignty against external violations.

The accusations followed reports of significant explosions heard in Kabul Thursday night, with interim administration spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirming an ongoing investigation while reporting no immediate casualties. Social media speculation suggested Pakistan targeted Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Noor Wali Mehsud, though Mujahid explicitly denied these claims, stating Mehsud was not present in Afghanistan.

Pakistan's military spokesman Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry addressed the situation during a press conference in Peshawar, neither confirming nor denying the airstrikes but asserting Pakistan's right to "do what is necessary for the protection of our citizens." He accused India of utilizing Afghan territory for operations against Pakistan and claimed Afghan nationals' involvement in terrorist activities within Pakistan, including 30 alleged suicide bombings.

The tensions emerged as Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India, Pakistan's regional rival, where he warned Islamabad to "learn from the Soviet Union, America, and NATO the consequences of troubling Afghans." Despite the sharp rhetoric, Muttaqi emphasized Afghanistan's desire for "friendly and cooperative relations with Pakistan" and advocated resolving differences through diplomatic dialogue rather than military confrontation.