Pakistan declares ‘open war’ on Afghanistan after airstrikes, border clashes escalate

Pakistan has declared what it termed an “open war” against Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government following intense cross-border clashes and airstrikes targeting major Afghan cities, including Kabul and Kandahar. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced an “all-out confrontation,” stating that Islamabad’s patience had “reached its limit” after Afghan forces reportedly attacked Pakistani troops along the Durand Line.

The escalation began after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghan territory, which Kabul described as deadly raids. In response, Afghan forces launched cross-border attacks on Pakistani positions, calling them retaliation. Afghan authorities claimed that in a four-hour operation along the Durand Line, 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed, two bases and 19 posts were captured, and several others were overrun. Kabul also reported eight Afghan fighters killed and 11 injured, and alleged that a missile strike on a refugee camp in Nangarhar wounded 13 civilians.

Islamabad strongly disputed these figures. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said only two Pakistani soldiers were killed and three injured, rejecting claims of captured posts. Pakistani officials, in turn, stated that at least 133 Afghan fighters were killed and more than 200 wounded, with 27 Afghan posts destroyed and nine captured during retaliatory strikes.

Both sides have accused each other of initiating unprovoked attacks and targeting sensitive areas. Heavy exchanges of fire were reported near key border points, prompting evacuations in surrounding areas. The sharply differing casualty figures and battlefield claims have further deepened mistrust between the two neighbours, raising fears of a prolonged confrontation.

Amid the escalating tensions, Iran has offered to mediate between Kabul and Islamabad. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi urged both countries to resolve their differences through dialogue and good neighbourliness, expressing readiness to facilitate talks. The latest flare-up has heightened regional concerns, particularly given the fragile ceasefire arrangements that had previously held despite intermittent violations.