Taliban threatens to strike inside Pakistan, vows to eliminate all threat to Afghanistan

Kabul: The Afghan Taliban has issued a stern warning to Pakistan regarding ongoing border clashes. The Taliban stated that they would employ all available means to eliminate any threat to Afghanistan's national security. They warned that if Pakistan does not mend its ways, they would be left with no option but to strike inside Pakistani territory. This statement from the Taliban follows Afghan attacks on ISIS hideouts and other extremist group strongholds in Pakistan's Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.

Why did Taliban threaten to strike Pakistan?

Kabul officials reiterated that they have repeatedly warned Islamabad to stop training and harboring anti-Afghan groups—including those linked to ISIS—on Pakistani soil. The ministry warned that if such activities do not cease, Afghanistan would have no choice but to launch robust military operations in retaliation, an option that includes conducting strikes within Pakistan.

How many aircraft and helicopters does the Taliban possess?

According to data from the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies, while Afghanistan lacks fighter jets, it is known to possess at least six aircraft and 23 helicopters. The Taliban also has drones, which have been utilized in conflicts with Pakistan. The Afghan Ministry of Defense stated, "These hideouts—allegedly used to plan and organize attacks against Afghanistan—have previously served as command centers for several deadly attacks."

What was Pakistan's response?

Pakistan claimed that the Taliban used a "rudimentary drone" in the attack on its territory. Refuting the Taliban's claims, Pakistan's Information Ministry stated that a "rudimentary drone" from Afghanistan had entered Pakistani airspace but was promptly identified and shot down. The ministry wrote on X, "As always, these claims are false. Terrorist camps... are actually located within areas controlled by the Afghan Taliban regime, and are operated and supported from there."