Ahmad Massoud blames Afghan Taliban for current security crisis in the country

KABUL: The Afghanistan National Resistance Front leader, Ahmad Massoud, said on Friday that the Taliban have sacrificed the Afghan people by supporting terrorist groups.

His remarks came during a ceremony marking the 31st anniversary of the death of Abdul Ali Mazari, the former leader of the Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan.

Massoud accused the Taliban of turning Afghanistan into a hotspot for security risks and geopolitical conflicts by providing safe havens to groups like Al-Qaeda, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Jaish al-Adl, Ansarullah, and others.

He also criticised the Taliban for allowing attacks by the Pakistani army on Afghan territory, saying that the current crisis is a direct result of their reckless policies and backing of terrorist organisations.

He stressed that the Taliban are the main cause behind Afghanistan’s ongoing crises.

By sheltering terrorist groups such as the TTP, Jaish al-Adl, Ansarullah, and Al-Qaeda, the Taliban have repeatedly dragged the country into security challenges and regional power struggles.

Massoud concluded that the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan is a clear consequence of these unwise actions.

Pakistan’s fresh airstrikes on terrorist hideouts

Pakistani air forces on Saturday targeted Afghan Taliban and Fitna-al-Khawarij terrorist hideouts, including military installations, according to security sources.

In Kandahar, technical support infrastructure and equipment storage used by the Taliban and other terrorist groups were effectively destroyed.

Security sources confirmed that operations under Operation Ghazab-ul-Haq will continue until all objectives are fully achieved.

FO on India’s criticism

Pakistan strongly rejected India’s statement regarding its actions against the Afghan regime on Saturday evening.

The Foreign Office called India’s allegations “laughable and hypocritical,” emphasising that India is supporting terrorism from Afghan soil.

The spokesperson added that Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan terrorist groups receive backing from India.

The Foreign Office stated that Pakistan’s operations against terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan are fully legal.

While India is reportedly disappointed by the destruction of its supported networks, the spokesperson noted that India itself consistently violates human rights and international law.

Pakistan also said India’s ongoing illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir and warned that the Hindutva ideology is targeting minorities within India.

The foreign office criticised India for playing a destabilising role in the region and urged it to refrain from promoting terrorism in Pakistan.

Pakistan affirmed that it will take all necessary measures to protect its citizens.