Afghanistan demands Pakistan hand over ISIS terrorists, warns of “severe consequences”
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has issued a stern ultimatum to Pakistan, demanding the handover of key ISIS-K terrorists or their expulsion from Pakistani territory, warning that “these actions will have severe and undesirable consequences” if Islamabad fails to comply, reports 24brussels.
During a press briefing in Kabul, IEA spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that the Afghan government expects Pakistan to adhere to its responsibilities concerning known terrorists. He specifically named senior ISIS-K figures, including Shahab al-Muhajir, accusing Pakistan of allowing the establishment of training camps for ISIS in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and failing to address their presence despite recent attacks in Iran and Moscow allegedly orchestrated from those bases.
In response to Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory, Afghan forces executed retaliatory operations against Pakistani positions along the contentious Durand Line late Saturday. The Afghan Ministry of Defence confirmed the operation, which it described as a defense against repeated violations of its airspace and territory, concluding around midnight.
Mujahid reported that the operations resulted in 58 Pakistani soldiers killed and 30 wounded while claiming nine Afghan soldiers lost their lives and 16 were injured. Approximately 20 Pakistani security outposts were destroyed, and several weapons temporarily seized. The offensive was reportedly ceased following requests from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, indicating the intervention of regional powers.
The spokesperson reaffirmed Afghanistan’s right to defend its territory, asserting that the government would respond to any acts of aggression. Kabul has rejected an offer from Pakistan to send a delegation to discuss the aftermath of the airstrikes, signifying a continued diplomatic rift.
These events unfold amid increasing tensions in the region. The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged both nations to exercise self-restraint and prioritize dialogue to avoid further escalation. “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is following with concern the tensions and clashes taking place in the border areas between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the State of Afghanistan,” the statement read.
In a related development, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan recently signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, enhancing their defense cooperation and commitment to mutual deterrence against aggression.
