World Desk

Afghan and Pakistani delegations are traveling to Doha, Qatar, to ease tensions following the deadliest crisis between the two countries in recent years, after more than a week of clashes left dozens dead and hundreds injured on both sides.

The Taliban government said Saturday that the Afghan delegation includes the defense minister and the head of the national intelligence agency. Pakistan’s delegation was scheduled to depart the same day, according to the national broadcaster PTV, which did not provide further details.

Both countries accuse each other of aggression. Pakistan alleges that Afghanistan is harboring militants who launch attacks in border regions, a claim rejected by the Taliban.

A 48-hour ceasefire intended to halt hostilities expired Friday evening, and hours later, Pakistan conducted strikes across the border. Pakistani security officials confirmed to The Associated Press that air raids targeted districts in Afghanistan’s eastern Paktika province, including Urgun and Barmal.

The strikes focused on hideouts of the militant Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, according to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. Pakistani Air Force raids reportedly killed dozens of armed fighters, with no civilian casualties, they said. One official added that the operation was a direct response to a suicide bombing targeting a Pakistani security forces compound in Mir Ali, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the previous day.

However, Afghan officials reported that at least 10 civilians, including women and children, were killed in the attacks. The assaults also prompted Afghanistan’s national cricket board to boycott an upcoming series in Pakistan.

Zabihullah Mujahid, chief spokesman for the Taliban government, condemned what he described as “repeated crimes of Pakistani forces and violations of Afghanistan’s sovereignty,” calling the attacks “provocative acts and deliberate attempts” to prolong the conflict.

Source: AP