KABUL: Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Zabihullah Mujahid has rebutted statements from Pakistani officials regarding the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) within Afghan territory. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that certain border regions might lie beyond the control of the Emirate.
Mujahid asserted, “We categorically reject the presence of any foreign groups in Afghanistan, and they are prohibited from operating on Afghan soil. We have exerted our utmost effort in this regard.”
His remarks come amidst reports of Pakistani airstrikes targeting TTP hideouts in Paktika and Khost. While neither Pakistan nor Afghanistan has issued an official statement, there is speculation that the residences of prominent TTP leaders have been the focus of these attacks.
However, Mujahid also acknowledged the extensive and challenging nature of the border shared by the two countries, stating, “It is undeniable that Afghanistan shares a lengthy border with Pakistan, encompassing areas of rugged terrain such as mountains and forests, where governmental control may be lacking.”
This statement follows a declaration by Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, who asserted that TTP was launching attacks on Pakistan from sanctuaries based in Afghanistan. Asif further stated that Pakistan was cognizant of the locations where TTP operatives were hiding.
Following a terrorist assault in Waziristan resulting in the deaths of seven soldiers, including a Pakistan Army lieutenant colonel and a captain, Asif emphasized the necessity of eradicating terrorism, affirming the government’s unwavering commitment to achieving success.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that a group of terrorists attacked a security forces’ post in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan district, resulting in the loss of seven lives during the early hours of Saturday.
