Pakistan Warns Taliban of “Surprise” From Regional and Global Forces

DID Press: Murtaza Solangi, spokesperson for the President of Pakistan, has accused the Taliban of providing safe havens, training and logistical support to armed groups in Afghanistan, warning that continued support could trigger a response from regional and global forces.

Solangi said in a post on X on Thursday that if the Taliban continued to provide safe havens, training and logistical support to armed groups, “global and regional forces of peace and civilisation” would surprise them.

He also referred to the Taliban administration as an “illegitimate regime” and accused it of becoming a “surrogate mother of terror” by allowing armed groups to operate from Afghan territory. These are statements and characterizations made by the Pakistani presidential spokesperson.

The remarks came after Pakistan conducted new airstrikes at two locations in Afghanistan. Pakistan’s Ministry of Information said the strikes targeted alleged hideouts of groups it refers to as Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan, and said initial reports indicated that 22 militants were killed.

The Taliban, however, said the strikes hit residential areas and caused civilian casualties. The competing casualty claims have not been independently verified. The Associated Press reported that Afghanistan said civilians were killed and wounded, while Pakistan maintained that the strikes targeted militant positions.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban authorities of allowing the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other armed groups to operate from Afghan territory. The Taliban rejects those allegations.