Pakistan has carried out airstrikes on major cities in Afghanistan, including the capital, Kabul, in what its defence minister described as an “open war” with Afghanistan’s Taliban government.
According to reports by Agence France-Presse (AFP), loud explosions and fighter jets were heard in Kabul and Kandahar early Friday morning. The strikes mark the most extensive attack by Pakistan on Kabul and the first time it has bombed Kandahar, a stronghold of the Taliban, since the group returned to power in 2021.
The attacks also affected areas near the important Torkham border crossing between the two countries. An Afghan camp housing people who recently returned from Pakistan was hit during the fighting. Witnesses said women, children, and elderly people were seen running for safety. Local officials reported that at least seven civilians were injured after a mortar shell struck the camp.
The latest violence followed clashes on Thursday night when Afghan forces reportedly attacked Pakistani border troops. This was said to be in response to earlier airstrikes by Pakistan. Tensions between the two neighbours have worsened in recent months, with several deadly border clashes. In October, fighting killed more than 70 people on both sides, leading to the closure of many border crossings.
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of allowing militant groups to operate from its territory and launch attacks into Pakistan. The Taliban government denies this. Many recent attacks in Pakistan have been claimed by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group separate from the Afghan Taliban but with similar roots.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, described the situation as an “all-out confrontation,” saying it is now “open war.” A South Asia expert, Michael Kugelman, said the strikes represent a serious escalation and suggest Pakistan is now targeting the Taliban government itself, not just militant groups.
Efforts by countries like Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia to calm tensions have so far failed. Iran and China have also called for dialogue and restraint.
The Afghan Taliban confirmed the airstrikes but said there were no casualties in Kabul. However, Afghanistan’s defence ministry reported that eight of its soldiers were killed in border fighting.
The situation remains tense, with fears that the conflict could grow worse if both sides do not return to negotiations.
