RASC News Agency: In the aftermath of Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghanistan territory and the swift response by the Taliban, resulting in clashes between Taliban militants and Pakistani border guards, Washington has announced its call for both sides to settle their disputes through dialogue. During press briefings on Tuesday, March 19, both the White House and the Pentagon addressed this matter, urging the involved parties to “exercise restraint.”
Karine Jean-Pierre, spokesperson for the White House, emphasized that the Taliban and Pakistan must prioritize civilian safety and engage in dialogue to address their differences. Concurrently, Ned Price, Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, stressed the importance of both sides taking measures to minimize harm.
He highlighted Pakistan’s significance as a crucial partner for Washington, noting that discussions on counterterrorism and other shared security concerns involve regular communication with Islamabad. Price expressed condolences for the suicide attack on Pakistani army bases in North Waziristan and the loss of civilian lives during the clashes in Afghanistan.
In response, Pakistan conducted airstrikes targeting areas in the provinces of Khost and Paktika on Monday, claiming to have struck the headquarters of Abdullah Shah, a TTP commander. However, shortly after these airstrikes, Abdullah Shah refuted Pakistan’s claim through a video, asserting his presence in South Waziristan.
