Taliban summons Pakistani ambassador after airstrikes on Nangarhar and Paktika

KABUL: In response to the Pakistani military’s attacks on Nangarhar and Paktika, the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Pakistani ambassador in Kabul and handed over a protest letter. In a statement on Sunday, the ministry announced that the attacks resulted in numerous civilian casualties. According to the statement, the Ministry strongly condemned the violation of Afghanistan’s airspace and the bombing of civilian populations by the Pakistani military, calling it a clear violation of Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and a provocative act. The Ministry warned Pakistan that the protection of Afghanistan’s sovereignty is a “religious responsibility” of the Taliban, and that the consequences of such attacks will fall on the opposing side. This follows reports from the Taliban that Pakistan had again violated Afghan territory with bombings in Nangarhar and Paktika. Local sources have reported bombings in Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost, noting that in just the Behsud district of Nangarhar, 23 individuals were buried under the rubble.