Taliban Spokesman Rejects Pakistan’s Claim of TTP Presence in Afghanistan, Vows Response to Airstrikes
Zabiullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Taliban administration, has dismissed Islamabad’s allegations that the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operates from Afghanistan, stating that Afghanistan is not a base for the group. In response to recent Pakistani airstrikes targeting parts of Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, Mujahid warned that these actions “will not go unanswered.”
Mujahid accused certain Pakistani military factions of targeting civilian areas under the pretext of combating the TTP. He described the Taliban administration’s view of these attacks as “criminal” and affirmed that they will not remain silent in the face of such actions. While he insisted that a response is “definite,” he did not provide details regarding the nature of any potential retaliation.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani government announced that Saturday’s airstrikes, on February 20, targeted seven camps and hideouts linked to the TTP and the Khorasan branch of the Islamic State (ISIS). Pakistani officials claim these groups use Afghan territory to organize and carry out attacks within Pakistan.
Islamabad also alleges that the TTP operates with the support of the Taliban administration and that no serious measures have been taken to curb the group. The Taliban have consistently denied these accusations. However, escalating border tensions and ongoing reciprocal attacks have heightened security concerns for residents on both sides of the Durand Line and increased instability in the region.
