Pakistan has launched airstrikes on major cities across Afghanistan, including Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, as hostilities between the two neighbours intensify. The strikes, which occurred on Thursday and Friday, mark a significant escalation in cross-border tensions.
The Taliban government in Kabul has responded by offering to resolve the dispute through dialogue. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated: 'The Islamic emirate of Afghanistan has always tried to resolve issues through dialogue, and now also we want to resolve this matter through dialogue.'
The United States has backed Pakistan's actions, with Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker expressing support for Pakistan's right to defend itself against Taliban attacks. Hooker also conveyed condolences for lives lost in the recent violence.
The UK and the European Union have urged immediate de-escalation. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper called on both sides to take steps toward reducing tensions and re-engaging in mediated dialogue. The EU's Kaja Kallas warned of serious regional implications and demanded that Afghan territory not be used to threaten other countries.
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif stated that his country is in 'open war' with Afghanistan, accusing the Taliban government of sheltering militant groups and allying with India. Afghanistan denies these claims and says its own strikes were retaliation for earlier Pakistani airstrikes.
