Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict Airstrikes hit Kabul, hours after Afghanistan attacks Pakistan

Pakistan launched fresh airstrikes on Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia early Friday, sharply escalating hostilities only hours after Afghanistan carried out cross-border attacks on Pakistani military positions. The sudden intensification of violence has pushed the already fragile, Qatar-mediated ceasefire to the brink of collapse.

🇵🇰 Pakistan Declares “Open War”

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced on X that Islamabad’s patience had run out:

“Now it is open war between us and you.”

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the strikes on Afghan territory were a “befitting response to the Afghan Taliban’s open aggression.”

🇦🇫 Afghanistan Claims Major Gains on the Border

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghan troops launched wide-ranging retaliatory operations, claiming:

• Capture of 15+ Pakistani outposts
• “Dozens” of Pakistani soldiers killed
• Seizure of weapons and military posts

A Taliban deputy spokesman claimed the capture of Pakistan’s Anzar Sar/Babrak headquarters in Khost.

Pakistan has denied all such losses, calling the claims “false and baseless.”

🔥 Airstrikes Shake Kabul

Residents reported:

• Three large explosions
• Aircraft flying over Kabul
• Strikes also confirmed in Kandahar and Paktia

There are no confirmed casualty figures yet from Kabul.

⚔️ What Triggered the Escalation?

• Feb 22: Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghan border regions, claiming to target militant hideouts.
• Feb 26: Afghanistan retaliated with cross-border attacks, claiming to capture Pakistani positions.
• Feb 27 Morning: Pakistan launched airstrikes deep inside Afghanistan, including the capital.

The cycle of retaliation has rapidly intensified.

🎙️ International Response

UN Calls for Restraint

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern:

“The Secretary-General urges the parties to resolve their differences through diplomacy.”

India Condemns Pakistan’s Strikes

India’s Foreign Ministry criticized Pakistan’s cross-border airstrikes, calling them a violation of Afghan sovereignty.

📌 Situation Overview

• Heavy clashes ongoing along Khost, Kandahar, Helmand
• Pakistan says it inflicted “heavy losses” on Afghan forces
• Civilians reported injured near Torkham border
• Qatar’s ceasefire mediation now uncertain

🔴 LIVE Status: Highly Volatile

Both sides are preparing for prolonged escalation, with Pakistan’s declaration of “open war” marking the most serious breakdown in relations in years.