The Taliban have lashed out at Pakistan, accusing the country of allowing US drones to use its airspace to enter Afghanistan.
The Taliban's acting defense minister said today that Pakistan allowed US drones to use its airspace to enter Afghanistan, an accusation Pakistan recently denied following a US airstrike in Kabul.
Acting Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqub told reporters at a press conference in Kabul that US drones are entering Afghanistan through Pakistan.
"According to our information the drones are entering through Pakistan into Afghanistan, they are using Pakistan's airspace, we request Pakistan not to use its airspace against us," he said.
Pakistan's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Pakistani authorities have denied involvement or prior knowledge of a drone strike the United States said it launched against Kabul in July that killed al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri.
Yaqub's comments could exacerbate tensions between the two neighboring countries at a time when the Afghan Taliban are brokering talks between Pakistan and a Pakistani Taliban militant group. Afghanistan is also heavily dependent on trade with Pakistan as the country is going through an economic crisis.
The Taliban said they were investigating the July airstrike and had not found the al Qaeda leader's body.
