ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan and Afghanistan engaged in cross-border attacks overnight, marking a significant rise in tensions. Pakistan’s defense minister declared on Friday that the two nations are in a state of “open war.”
Late Thursday, Afghanistan launched an offensive against Pakistan, claiming it was retaliation for lethal Pakistani airstrikes in Afghan border regions on Sunday. In response, Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Kabul and two other Afghan provinces early Friday, targeting military installations.
Tensions have been mounting for months, with border clashes in October that resulted in numerous fatalities among soldiers, civilians, and suspected militants. Pakistan has accused the Taliban government in Afghanistan of sheltering militant groups that carry out attacks against it and forming an alliance with its adversary, India.
A Qatari-mediated ceasefire had temporarily halted intense fighting in October, but various rounds of peace discussions held in Turkey in November were ineffective. Sporadic exchanges of gunfire have continued since then.
In the aftermath of the recent attacks, Afghan government spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid asserted that the assault aimed to demonstrate Afghanistan’s capability to retaliate against Pakistan, accusing it of failing to resolve issues through dialogue. Following the Afghan strikes, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif expressed on X that “our patience has now run out,” confirming an escalation to open conflict.
Asif also criticized the Taliban for transforming Afghanistan into a “colony of India,” highlighting the growing ties between India and Afghanistan. Meanwhile, he accused Afghanistan of “exporting terrorism,” particularly supporting the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and other banned groups. Both Islamabad and Kabul’s claims concerning casualty figures differ significantly and remain unverifiable.
International Response and Future Dialogues
Turkey’s Foreign Minister held discussions with counterparts from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to address the ongoing conflict, reiterating the need for peaceful resolutions. Additionally, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres urged both sides to pursue diplomacy and protect civilians amidst the escalating hostilities.
