Taliban Helmand Governor Accuses Pakistan of Hypocrisy Amid Border Tensions

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- Amanuddin Mansour, the Taliban governor in Helmand province, accused Pakistan of hypocrisy for conducting airstrikes in Afghanistan shortly after its officials visited Washington.

In a speech broadcast on Ariana Television, Mansour said Pakistan's attacks have strengthened Taliban opponents, prompting public questions about the longevity of the Taliban government. "With Pakistan's attacks, our opponents have grown fat; people ask how long the Taliban government will stay?" he stated.

Mansour made the remarks after traveling from Helmand to Badakhshan province about two weeks ago. He emphasized the Taliban's readiness to fight, comparing it to their 20-year resistance against the United States, and warned opponents: "If they set foot on Afghan soil, they will be cut with the sword."

The comments come amid escalating tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, marked by mutual attacks. Pakistan has carried out airstrikes and artillery shelling on Afghan territory, including areas in Kabul and Kandahar provinces. In response, the Taliban claim to have conducted drone strikes on Pakistani military centers.

Taliban officials have accused Islamabad of supporting anti-Taliban forces. Previously, Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid, the Taliban defense minister, stated he had solid information that Pakistan intends to arm opponents and send them into Afghanistan.