Pakistan has dramatically escalated its military conflict with Afghanistan's Taliban government, with its defence minister declaring an "open war" following major overnight airstrikes targeting the Afghan capital and other provinces.
Open War Declaration
"Our patience has reached its limit. Now it is open war between us and you," Pakistani defence minister Khawaja Asif stated publicly on social media platform X. This declaration marks a significant intensification in the long-standing tensions between the two neighbouring nations.
Cross-Border Attacks
Pakistani forces carried out retaliatory airstrikes in the Afghan capital Kabul and two additional provinces during the early hours of Friday. The military action was described as a direct response to Taliban cross-border attacks that occurred on Thursday night.
This latest escalation follows Taliban warnings that they would respond militarily to previous Pakistani airstrikes on Sunday, which reportedly killed thirteen civilians. The tit-for-tat violence has left the fragile Qatar-mediated ceasefire between the countries appearing increasingly unstable and ineffective.
Targeted Strikes
According to two senior Pakistani security officials, the military conducted precision airstrikes targeting what they identified as Afghan military facilities in three provinces:
- Kabul province, including the capital city
- Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan
- Paktia province in southeastern Afghanistan
The officials claimed these strikes successfully destroyed two brigade bases, though these claims could not be independently verified at the time of reporting.
Ground Reports
Witnesses on the ground in Afghanistan confirmed hearing fighter jets overhead and explosions in various parts of Kabul. Despite the intensity of the attacks, Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid stated that no casualties had been reported from the overnight strikes.
The conflict represents the most serious escalation in violence between Pakistan and Afghanistan's Taliban government in recent months, raising concerns about regional stability and the potential for further civilian casualties as military operations continue.
