Afghanistan Demands Pakistan Hand Over ISIS Terrorists, Warns Of ‘Severe Consequences’ | World News

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has demanded Pakistan to hand over or deport key ISIS-K terrorists hiding on its territory and warned that if Islamabad fails to act, “these actions will lead to serious and undesirable consequences”, IEA spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Sunday.

Speaking at the press conference held in Kabul after Afghanistan’s counter-attacks along the Durand Line, Mujahid said, “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan solemnly demands that the said persons be either handed over to the Islamic Emirate or the Pakistani government expels them from its territory. By doing this, the Pakistani government will fulfill its responsibilities and fulfill its commitments.” he said.

Mujahid accused Pakistan of “ignoring the presence of ISIS” on its territory and said training centers for ISIS-K had been established in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He claimed that recent attacks in Iran and Moscow were planned from those bases and called on Islamabad to hand over senior ISIS-K figures, including Shahab al-Muhajir and several of his associates, according to TOLO News.

Afghan forces carried out retaliatory operations against Pakistani positions along the disputed Durand Line late on Saturday following Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory, the spokesman said.

The Afghan Ministry of Defense reported on X that the operation was “completed around midnight” and described it as a response to repeated violations of Afghanistan’s airspace and territory.

According to TOLO’s news, Mujahid stated that 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed, 30 were injured, 9 Afghan soldiers were “martyrs” and 16 soldiers were injured in the operation, and announced the loss and damage figures.

He also said that around 20 Pakistani security posts were destroyed and a large number of weapons were temporarily seized. The spokesman said that the operation was stopped at midnight upon requests from Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

The Islamic Emirate reiterated that Afghanistan has the right to defend its territory and airspace and will not leave any attack unanswered. Mujahid said Kabul rejected Pakistan’s request to send a delegation after the airstrikes.

The developments come at a time when regional tensions are rising. Following the escalation of tensions, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) called on both sides to seek peace and called for “self-restraint” to prevent further tensions.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said in a statement: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia follows with concern the tensions and conflicts occurring in the border areas between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the State of Afghanistan. The Kingdom calls for self-restraint, avoiding escalation of tensions and embracing dialogue and wisdom, which will contribute to reducing tensions and preserving the security and stability of the region.”

In September, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, committing both countries to increased defense cooperation and joint deterrence against aggression.