Pakistan Announces 'Open War' with Afghan Taliban Following Major Border Strikes
Pakistan has officially declared an "open war" with the Taliban-led government of Afghanistan after launching significant air and ground strikes on Afghan cities situated along the shared border. The military action, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, specifically targeted Taliban military posts and depots, marking a severe escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two neighbouring nations.
Retaliatory Strikes and Casualty Reports
This aggressive move by Pakistan came as a direct response to an earlier air attack conducted by the Taliban on Pakistani border forces, highlighting the tit-for-tat nature of the hostilities. Both countries have reported substantial casualties from the recent clashes. Pakistan claims that its strikes resulted in the deaths of 133 Afghan Taliban fighters, while Afghanistan has stated that 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed in the retaliatory actions.
The Defence Minister of Pakistan confirmed the execution of these raids, explicitly citing "overflowing patience" over Afghanistan's alleged failure to curb armed groups operating from its territory. Among these groups is the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Pakistan accuses of launching cross-border attacks and destabilising regional security.
International Condemnation and Regional Concerns
In response to the strikes, Afghanistan has strongly condemned Pakistan's actions, labelling them as a blatant violation of international law. The Afghan government reported civilian casualties resulting from the attacks and vowed to deliver an "appropriate and measured response" to what it perceives as an act of aggression. This development has raised alarms among regional powers, who have previously urged both sides to de-escalate tensions and seek diplomatic solutions to avoid further instability in the area.
The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for broader regional implications as both nations brace for possible further military engagements. The declaration of "open war" signifies a significant deterioration in bilateral relations, underscoring the deep-seated issues and mutual accusations that have long plagued the Pakistan-Afghanistan border region.
