Taliban Graduates ‘Hundreds of Commandos’ As Tensions With Pakistan Peak
The Taliban’s Ministry of Defence has announced the graduation of hundreds of commando fighters amid sharply rising tensions with Pakistan.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Defence has announced the graduation of hundreds of commando fighters amid sharply rising tensions with Pakistan.
At a ceremony marking the completion of their training, Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban’s deputy prime minister for economic affairs, said the group would not allow any country to violate Afghanistan’s territory and stated that the Taliban was prepared to respond to “any form of aggression.”
In a statement issued Thursday, the ministry said Baradar underscored the need to protect Afghanistan’s borders and warned neighbouring states not to test the group’s resolve. He said the “enemies of the country” should not view Afghanistan’s territory or its sovereignty with hostile intent.
During the event, Taliban commando units demonstrated helicopter operations, aerial manoeuvres and ground-combat drills. According to the ministry, the graduates had received “ideological, intellectual and military training” and were prepared to make “any sacrifice” to defend the country’s territorial integrity.
The ministry added that any force acting with hostile intentions toward Afghanistan would face a “decisive response.”
The announcement comes after the Taliban accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes in Khost, Paktika and Kunar provinces that killed nine children and a woman. The group said it would respond “at an appropriate time.”
Pakistan’s military has denied conducting the strikes, saying it publicly announces any operations it undertakes.
Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban have deteriorated sharply in recent weeks. Earlier, three rounds of talks in Doha and Istanbul following heavy border clashes in October ended without progress.
