Afghanistan and Pakistan Engaged in Ongoing Conflict Over Border Disputes

Pakistani Defence Minister Announces ‘Open War’ Against Afghanistan

Pakistan has launched air strikes on several cities in Afghanistan, including the capital Kabul, as tensions between the two countries escalate. On Friday, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared that Pakistan will now wage “open war” against the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan.

The declaration came hours after Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Afghanistan was conducting “large-scale offensive operations” against Pakistani forces along the Durand Line border. The situation has been deteriorating for weeks, with both sides claiming dozens of casualties.

According to officials, Afghan forces attacked military positions near the border, prompting Pakistan to launch air strikes on targets inside Afghanistan. The first strike occurred at approximately 1:50am local time on Friday, with Afghan forces responding with anti-aircraft fire.

Pakistani authorities have described the operation as “Operation Ghazab lil Haq”, which translates to “righteous fury”. The attacks targeted areas in Kabul, Paktia province, and Kandahar, according to reports from Pakistani state media outlet Pakistan TV. The Afghan government has also confirmed that these provinces were hit.

Reports indicate that the attacks destroyed two brigade bases in Afghanistan and damaged several Taliban locations, including a brigade headquarters and ammunition depot in Kandahar. Additionally, Pakistani forces have targeted Afghan Taliban forces in several districts of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Firefighting has been reported near the Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with both sides claiming conflicting casualty figures. The situation remains fluid, with reports from each side varying on the extent of damage and casualties.

Source: Al Jazeera