Taliban Summons Pakistan Envoy Over Nuristan Attack Allegations
The Taliban administration’s foreign ministry on Tuesday summoned the Pakistani charge d’affaires in Kabul and, according to the ministry, delivered a strong protest over the entry of armed men from beyond the Durand Line into Nuristan. The ministry claimed the men had intended to operate in Kamshed district with direct Pakistani support and guidance.
The Taliban foreign ministry accused Pakistan of backing these individuals and said the group’s security forces had foiled the attack and prevented the assailants from carrying out their plans. The ministry also warned that if what it called Pakistan’s “irresponsible and ill-considered” actions continued, Islamabad would be responsible for the consequences.
The summons came as the Afghanistan Freedom Front said it had begun attacks in Nuristan and Kunar on Saturday. The group claimed to have captured parts of Kamshed district in Nuristan and Nari district in Kunar, killing 37 Taliban forces and injuring 24 others.
By contrast, the Taliban administration’s defence ministry said it had killed 28 opposition fighters in Kamshed and arrested 32 others. The two sides’ figures and claims about the incidents and casualties differ.
