Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated sharply on Friday as Islamabad carried out air strikes on major Afghan cities, including the capital, Kabul, prompting Pakistan’s Defence Minister to declare that the two neighbours are now at “open war.”....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

AFP journalists in Kabul and Kandahar reported hearing explosions and fighter jets throughout the night, with Pakistani forces targeting sites linked to the Taliban authorities.

The strikes followed renewed border clashes after Afghan forces reportedly attacked Pakistani troops on Thursday night in retaliation for earlier Pakistani air strikes. Relations between the two countries have worsened over recent months, with land border crossings largely closed since deadly clashes in October that left over 70 people dead on both sides. Islamabad has accused Kabul of allowing militant groups to operate across the border—a claim denied by the Taliban government.

‘Now It Is Open War’

Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, confirmed that Taliban defence targets in Kabul, Paktia, and Kandahar were struck. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif went further, describing the situation as an “all-out confrontation.”

“Our patience has reached its limit. Now it is open war between you and us,” Asif wrote on social media.

The attacks inside Pakistan have mostly been claimed by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has intensified operations since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021. Pakistan maintains that militants are using Afghan territory as a safe haven, while the Taliban denies providing support to such groups.

South Asia expert Michael Kugelman described the overnight strikes as a worrying escalation. “Pakistan appears to have expanded its targeting beyond TTP to the Taliban regime itself,” he said.

The new violence undermines a fragile truce brokered earlier this year, with initial ceasefire talks facilitated by Qatar and Turkey repeatedly breached. Saudi Arabia intervened recently to mediate the release of three Pakistani soldiers captured during the October clashes.

Regional Mediation Efforts

Diplomatic efforts intensified on Friday, with Saudi Arabia and Iran stepping in to ease tensions. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held talks with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, while Iran offered to facilitate dialogue between the neighbours.

The conflict comes amid escalating tit-for-tat military actions along the volatile frontier, with both sides claiming heavy casualties. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned that the armed forces were prepared for decisive action, stating, “Our armed forces have the full capability to crush any aggressive ambitions.”

Blasts Rock Kabul and Kandahar

AFP journalists reported jets and explosions over several hours in Kabul and Kandahar, though streets were largely quiet after dawn, consistent with Friday during Ramadan. Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada’s base in Kandahar also experienced aircraft activity.

The Taliban confirmed the air strikes but reported no casualties, while simultaneously launching “large-scale offensive operations” at the border in response to repeated Pakistani violations. Afghanistan’s defence ministry said eight soldiers were killed in the ground offensive.

Civilian areas near the Torkham border crossing, including a camp for returnees from Pakistan, were also affected. Qureshi Badlun, Nangarhar province’s information chief, said seven refugees were wounded, including one woman in serious condition.

The escalation follows Pakistani strikes on Nangarhar and Paktika provinces overnight into Sunday, which the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan reported killed at least 13 civilians. Both countries had earlier acknowledged cross-border fire on Tuesday, though no casualties were reported then.

Wider Security Concerns

In addition to direct military clashes, the region has experienced a wave of deadly suicide bombings. Notable attacks include a Shiite mosque in Islamabad, killing at least 40 people, claimed by the Islamic State group, and a recent bombing at a Kabul restaurant, claimed by the Islamic State, Khorasan Province affiliate.

Regional powers are now mediating to contain the conflict, but analysts warn that failure to de-escalate could further destabilise an already fragile region.