Pakistan and Afghanistan Enter Open Conflict as Major Cities Come Under Fire

 

                               Pakistan declares 'open war' with Afghanistan and launches strikes on Kabul

Pakistan has formally declared “open war” on Afghanistan after a dramatic escalation of cross‑border attacks, marking one of the most serious confrontations between the two neighbors in recent years. According to multiple reports, Pakistan launched airstrikes on major Afghan cities—including Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia—following what it described as Afghan‑initiated assaults on Pakistani border positions.

Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government responded by claiming it had carried out retaliatory strikes on Pakistani territory, targeting military bases and strategic sites. Explosions were reported in several Pakistani cities, though Islamabad stated that these drone attacks caused no casualties.

Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the country had “run out of patience”, accusing the Taliban of harboring militants and destabilizing the region. Afghan officials, meanwhile, insisted their operations were a direct response to Pakistani incursions along the Durand Line. Both sides report heavy losses, though casualty figures remain unverified and sharply disputed. 

The situation continues to evolve rapidly, with fighting reported near key border crossings and fears rising that the conflict could widen if diplomatic channels fail.