Pakistan’s defense minister warns of continued strikes against Afghanistan

Pakistan’s Minister of Defense Khawaja Asif has said Islamabad will continue to launch attacks against Afghanistan as part of a new military operation aimed at countering terrorism.

In an interview with BBC, Asif said Pakistan was targeting groups which Pakistan accuses of carrying out attacks on security forces and civilians, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group.

Islamabad has in the past accused Afghanistan of harboring groups such as TTP. However, the ruling Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has repeatedly said it will not allow any group to threaten the security of another country from Afghanistan.

The IEA has also described the strikes as violations of its sovereignty.

“It’s correct that we have been carrying out operations in Afghanistan, and we will continue to do so. We won’t serve them with cake and pastries. If attacked, we’ll attack back,” Asif told BBC.

In addition he said Pakistan did not forewarn the IEA of impending strikes. “This would eliminate the element of surprise. Why should we tell them, ‘get ready, we are coming’?”

The IEA meanwhile responded by saying the statement was “irresponsible”, BBC reported.

Asif went on to say the IEA has been reluctant to take action against the TTP, despite Islamabad’s requests.

This comes after Pakistan’s recent announcement of a renewed military crackdown to curb violence and attacks in the country.

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