Afghanistan’s Taliban government has rejected U.S. allegations that it detains foreigners to obtain leverage over other countries.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi in a phone call that disputes between Afghanistan and Pakistan should be resolved through

Afghanistan said at least four people were killed in Pakistani strikes on the capital and other provinces. The Taliban’s spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in a post on X Friday that strikes hit civilian homes resulting in the deaths of women and children.

Pakistan’s president is defending cross-border strikes in Afghanistan and urges the Taliban government to disarm militants attacking his country.

An airbase in Pakistan was struck by drones on Friday in apparent retaliation for overnight airstrikes deep inside Afghanistan, as the two neighbouring countries continued their cross-border clashes.

The State Department on Monday designated Afghanistan as a sponsor of wrongful detention as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations separately called out the country for engaging in what he said was “hostage diplomacy.

The Taliban-ruled state has suffered Pakistani strikes against government installations over the past week following accusations, which it denies, that it harbors militants.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated Afghanistan as a state sponsor of wrongful detention, accusing the Taliban of using terrorist tactics against Americans.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday that the issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan can only be resolved through dialogue and consultation. The use of force would only complicate the situation and intensify the contradictions,