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.
đź“Ś 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
đź”´ 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.