Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated sharply on Friday after a fresh round of cross-border attacks, airstrikes on major Afghan cities and strong political statements from both sides.
What began as small border crossfires along the long-disputed Durand Line has now spiralled into aerial bombardments, ground operations and open warnings of war.
Pakistan declares 'Open War'
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared “open war” on Friday. In a post on X, he said Pakistan's patience had run out after repeated border attacks.
According to reports, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the country's armed forces were fully prepared to respond to any attack, following overnight airstrikes inside Afghanistan.
In a statement posted by the Pakistani government on X, Sharif said the military had the ability to “crush” any aggressive intent, adding the country would not compromise on its security or sovereignty.
What happened in the last few hours ?
AFP reported multiple explosions in Afghanistan's capital Kabul over a period of more than two hours, followed by gunfire.Similar sounds of fighter jets were also reported in Kandahar, the southern city where the Taliban's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada is based.
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Taliban Claims 55 Pak soldiers killed
According to a report by Al Jazeera, hours before the Pakistani airstrikes, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid announced that Afghan forces had launched a “large-scale offensive operations” along the border.
He said the actions were in response to what the Taliban called repeated violations by Pakistani forces. Afghanistan's defence ministry said eight Afghan soldiers were killed during land operations.
Afghanistan's defence ministry claimed that 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed during a four-hour retaliatory operation launched on Thursday night.
The Taliban count said two Pakistani bases were destroyed, 19 posts seized and weapons and vehicles captured. They also reported that 13 civilians were wounded in a missile strike near a refugee camp, reported Al Jazeera.
Pak Says It has launched 'Op Ghazab Lil Haq'
Pakistan rejected Afghanisthan's claims and stated it had launched a counter-operation named “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq”.
Islamabad said the operation was a response to what it called unprovoked Afghan aggression. Pakistani officials claimed that 133 Taliban fighters were killed and more than 200 injured.
According to Pakistan, 27 Taliban posts were destroyed and nine captured, along with heavy military equipment including tanks and armoured vehicles.
Taliban officials confirmed that Pakistani strikes took place but said there were no casualties, while Afghan authorities did not comment on Pakistan's casualty figures.
The Contentious Durand Line
The border between the two countries, which stretches about 2,611 kilometres and known as the Durand Line, is at the centre of the conflict. It was drawn during during British rule in the 19th century. While Pakistan recognises it as the official international border, successive Afghan governments have refused to formally acknowledge it.
The boundary has for years been a recurring source of tensions, marked by cross-border militancy, airstrikes and retaliatory shelling. The latest flare-up signals one of the most serious breakdowns in ties since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul.
ALSO READ: Explosions And Aircraft Sounds Heard In Kabul, Hours After Afghanistan Attacks Pakistan
What triggered escalation in confict?
According to Al Jazeera, Pakistan has a long-standing accusation that Afghanistan shelters militants from the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group it alleges is responsible for numerous attacks inside Pakistan.
Islamabad says militant violence in the country has surged since 2022, while Kabul denies allowing its territory to be used for attacks.
The latest violence threatens a ceasefire agreed in October after earlier clashes killed more than 70 people on both sides. Several attempts at mediation, including talks facilitated by Qatar, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, have failed to produce a lasting agreement.
Pakistan had welcomed the Taliban's return to power in 2021, but relations steadily deteriorated.
UN Gen Secy Expresses Concern
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was closely monitoring the situation and expressed deep concern over the escalation.
According to AFP, the statement delivered by his spokesperson, Guterres urged both sides to follow international humanitarian law and prioritise the protection of civilians.
ALSO READ: Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions Flare As Taliban Regime Launches Retaliatory Strikes
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