New Delhi

A war of words has broken out between the Taliban regime in Kabul and Pakistan’s Foreign Office in Islamabad over which country was involved in the killing of Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. The Al Qaeda fugitive was killed in a drone strike by the USA in the heart of Kabul, about a month ago.

Afghan Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid had accused Pakistan of providing airspace for the US drones to enter Afghanistan. He alleged “the incursions were a continuation of Washington’s invasion”.

“Our information shows that they (US drones) are entering into Afghanistan from Pakistan, using the airspace of Pakistan,” Mujahid told reporters when asked where the drones were coming from.

We demand that Pakistan should not allow its airspace to be used against us.”

Deploying these drones into Afghanistan is “still a clear invasion of Afghanistan and its airspace by the Americans”, Mujahid said. “They are doing this shamelessly. We condemn this illegal act and demand that the Americans put an end to it.”

The drone attack in July that killed Zawahiri, Al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden’s successor, was the first known strike by the US on a target in Afghanistan since Washington withdrew its forces from the country on August 31 last year.

Mujahid said his regime was investigating the US President Jow Biden’s claims of killing Zawahiri and will share details when it is completed.

Pakistan Foreign Office issued a statement saying that “Pakistan had noted Mujahid’s allegation’s with deep concern”.

“In the absence of any evidence, as acknowledged by the afghan minister himself, such conjectural allegations are highly regrettable and defy the norms of responsible diplomatic conduct.

“Pakistan reaffirms its belief in the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states and condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” the press release reads.

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The FO urged Afghan authorities to “ensure the fulfilment” of international commitments made by Afghanistan to not allow the use of its territory for terrorism against any country.