“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan strongly condemns the bombing and attack by Pakistan on Afghan soil,” government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told reporters in an audio message.
We are implementing all options to prevent (such attacks) from happening again and request that our sovereignty be respected. The Pakistani side needs to know that if war breaks out, it is not in the interest of either party. It will lead to instability in the region,” he added.
Five children and a woman were killed in the attack
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi earlier summoned Pakistan’s ambassador to Kabul to protest two attacks that took place at dawn on the border between the two countries, one in Kunar, the other towards Khost.
“Five children and a woman were killed and a man injured by Pakistani missiles in Shelton district, Kunar,” provincial information director Najibullah Hassan Abdaal told AFP.
Increasingly strained relationships
A resident of the district, Ehsanullah (he has a single name like many Afghans), confirmed the death toll and said the attack was carried out by Pakistani military aircraft.
Since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan last year, border tensions between the two countries have risen, with Pakistan claiming armed groups are launching attacks from Afghan soil across a notoriously porous border.
Hundreds of civilians also demonstrated in Khost, chanting anti-Pakistani slogans, photos provided by AFP show.