Pakistan Vs Afghanistan Open War: Jets Bomb Kabul, Both Sides Claim Dozens of Soldiers Killed

Tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border escalated sharply on Friday as Pakistan officially declared “open war” on Afghanistan, following a series of cross-border strikes and retaliatory attacks. Explosions and the sound of aircraft were reported in Kabul early Friday, hours after Afghanistan claimed it had launched attacks on Pakistani border posts. Both nations have claimed significant military losses, though casualty figures differ sharply and remain unverified.

According to Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, the country’s patience has reached its limit, prompting Islamabad to launch a military operation named “Ghazab Lil Haq” in response to what it called “unprovoked firing from across the border.” Pakistan’s military confirmed that airstrikes targeted multiple Afghan military installations, including positions in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, following repeated Afghan shelling along the Durand Line.

Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry, on the other hand, asserted that its forces conducted “large-scale offensive operations” along the border, capturing more than a dozen Pakistani posts, destroying 19 check posts, and two bases. Kabul reported that shelling near the Torkham border crossing also resulted in injuries to civilians, including those in camps for returnees. Afghanistan said its losses were limited to eight soldiers killed and 11 wounded, while claiming 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed and several captured. Pakistan rejected these claims, stating that two of its soldiers were killed, three wounded, and 36 Afghan fighters were neutralised.

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The escalation comes after a series of incidents earlier in the week. Pakistan had carried out airstrikes last Sunday targeting alleged Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camps in Afghan territory. Afghanistan condemned these strikes as violations of sovereignty, asserting that civilian areas were hit. Afghan spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that the cross-border strikes were in response to repeated Pakistani aggression and called for international attention to the situation.

Residents on both sides of the border have been relocated to safer areas amid rising tensions. The situation remains fluid, with both Islamabad and Kabul accusing each other of initiating the violence. International observers and neighbouring countries have urged restraint to prevent a further escalation of hostilities, though diplomatic channels have yet to report any breakthrough.

The unfolding conflict underscores the fragile security situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, which has long been a flashpoint for military and insurgent activity. Analysts warn that continued escalation could have broader regional implications, affecting not only security but also the humanitarian situation in affected border regions.

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