Pakistan has declared it is effectively in an “open war” with neighboring Afghanistan following a sharp escalation in cross-border fighting, after both sides launched military strikes in what has become the most serious confrontation between the two countries in years.
Pakistani forces carried out airstrikes targeting Taliban government positions in major Afghan cities, including the capital Kabul, as well as locations in border provinces. Islamabad said the operations were conducted in response to attacks launched by Afghan forces and militant activity originating from Afghan territory.
Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities, meanwhile, confirmed conducting military operations along border regions with Pakistan, describing their actions as retaliation for earlier Pakistani air raids on Afghan border areas. Both sides have reported significant casualties, although figures remain disputed and independently unverified, according to dw.com
Pakistan’s military stated that its strikes targeted 22 Afghan military installations and reported the deaths of at least 12 Pakistani soldiers since Thursday night. Afghan officials have not confirmed the same casualty figures, contributing to conflicting accounts of losses on both sides.
The escalation has prompted widespread international concern. The United States said it supports Pakistan’s right to self-defense, while the European Union’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for immediate de-escalation and dialogue, stressing that Afghan territory must not be used to threaten neighboring countries.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged an immediate ceasefire, warning of the growing impact of the violence on civilian populations and calling on both sides to resolve their differences through diplomatic channels.
The International Committee of the Red Cross also appealed for restraint, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and maintain access to healthcare services amid intensifying hostilities.
Regional diplomatic efforts are underway, with Saudi Arabia and Qatar reportedly working to mediate and reduce tensions between the two neighbors.
Taliban officials have signaled openness to dialogue, stating they remain willing to pursue a peaceful resolution despite ongoing military operations.
The renewed conflict marks one of the fiercest outbreaks of violence between Pakistan and Afghanistan in decades, raising fears of prolonged instability along the volatile border if diplomatic efforts fail.
