Khaberni - The leader of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, Noor Wali Mehsud, appeared in a video on Thursday to prove that he is still alive, a week after an apparent assassination attempt by an airstrike in Afghanistan, sparking the most dangerous clashes between the neighbors in decades.
The French Press Agency quoted Pakistani security officials, saying: "The airstrike on October 9th targeted an armored 'Toyota Land Cruiser' believed to be carrying Mehsud in the Afghan capital, Kabul."
Mehsud said in the video that he recorded it to refute reports of his death, adding that "jihad brings nations freedom and dignity, or else they remain slaves."
Clashes and Agreement
The clashes had erupted about a week ago, following attacks and bombings in Afghanistan, including two in Kabul, which Islamabad was accused of being involved in.
The Afghan government responded last Saturday with attacks on several Pakistani sites across the southern border, prompting Pakistan to threaten a strong response and escalate the military situation along the border.
Pakistan accuses its neighbor Afghanistan of harboring armed groups led by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, which Kabul vehemently denies.
The United Nations and the international community have emphasized the need to contain the military escalation and work on long-term diplomatic solutions, urging both parties to ensure the protection of civilians and refrain from any actions that could lead to a renewal of confrontations.
Calm has returned to the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan today, Thursday, following the commitment of both countries to a ceasefire agreed upon last night, after days of deadly clashes that left dozens killed and injured.
