Taliban Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund has expressed condolences to the United Arab Emirates over the death of Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, while reportedly remaining silent over recent Pakistani military airstrikes in Afghanistan.
According to reports, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the brother of Dubai’s ruler, died at the age of 76. Following his death, the UAE government announced a 10-day mourning period.
The reported condolence message from the Taliban prime minister comes amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban authorities. Pakistani military aircraft reportedly carried out strikes in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Paktika provinces, with reports stating that three people were killed and several others wounded.
The reported strikes have caused concern among local communities, particularly over civilian casualties and damage. However, according to the information available, Mullah Hassan Akhund and several other senior Taliban officials have not publicly issued a response regarding the reported strikes and casualties.
The contrast between the condolence message for the UAE royal and the reported silence over the airstrikes has drawn attention amid ongoing tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban authorities.
Details regarding the reported casualties and the circumstances of the airstrikes have been attributed to reports, while further independent verification may be required.