Pakistan has conducted air strikes on Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, and other regions, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing border conflict between the two neighboring nations. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced on Friday that Islamabad is now engaged in “open war” against Afghanistan, amid mounting clashes along the shared border.
The development follows recent claims by Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid that Afghanistan has launched large-scale offensive operations against Pakistani forces along the Durand Line, the contested border dividing the two countries. Tensions have risen sharply over the past weeks, with both sides attributing casualties and damage to each other.
What Happened?
Pakistani officials reported that Afghan forces attacked military positions near the border on Friday, prompting Islamabad to retaliate with air strikes inside Afghanistan, including in Kabul, Paktia, and Kandahar provinces. The first Pakistani strike occurred around 1:50 AM local time, with Afghan forces responding with anti-aircraft fire.
Khawaja Asif publicly declared that Pakistan’s patience has run out, framing the operations as “Operation Ghazab lil Haq,” or “righteous fury.” Pakistani authorities claimed to have destroyed Taliban targets, including brigade bases, ammunition depots, and military posts across several Afghan provinces.
In response, Afghan officials acknowledged strikes in three provinces but reported their own retaliatory attacks, claiming to have killed 55 Pakistani soldiers and seized military outposts—claims Pakistan dismisses as exaggerated.
Casualty Reports and Ongoing Clashes
Casualty figures remain disputed. Pakistan’s spokesperson claimed that 133 Taliban fighters were killed and over 200 wounded in the recent clashes, with multiple military sites destroyed. Conversely, the Taliban government reported only eight fighters killed and 11 wounded. Pakistani casualties include two military personnel confirmed dead, according to local reports, while Afghan casualties are less clear.
Shelling near the Torkham border crossing, a key transit point, was also reported, with Afghan soldiers reportedly heading toward the frontier. Despite ongoing violence, the border remains largely open for returnees from Pakistan.
Context of the Conflict
The current flare-up is rooted in months of mounting tension since Afghanistan’s Taliban return to power in 2021. The dispute centers around the Durand Line, a colonial-era border not recognized by Afghanistan, which considers it illegitimate. Both nations have engaged in frequent clashes over border security and militant activities.
Pakistan accuses the Taliban of harboring and supporting armed groups like the Pakistan Taliban (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which have intensified attacks in Pakistan’s border regions. The Taliban’s reluctance to crack down on these groups has further fueled tensions, with experts warning that further escalation seems imminent if the situation persists.
Statements and Reactions
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized that the country has exhausted its patience, framing the military operations as a decisive response. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai called for national unity and urged Pakistan to pursue better neighborly relations, criticizing its current policies.
Analysts note that the border disputes and militant support issues are likely to keep tensions high, with experts warning that a full-scale conflict could erupt if diplomatic efforts fail to de-escalate the situation.
Background
Since the Taliban’s return, the border conflict has seen over 75 clashes, with both sides accusing each other of aggression. Pakistan’s primary concern remains the presence of militant groups operating from Afghan territory, which Islamabad says threaten regional stability and security.
As the situation develops, international calls for restraint and dialogue continue, but the possibility of further violence remains high amid deep-rooted disputes and complex regional dynamics.
