Pakistan launches airstrikes against Taliban in Afghanistan amid escalating tensions

Pakistani Forces Launch Bombing Campaign Against Kabul and Other Afghan Cities

Pakistani forces have launched a bombing campaign against the capital city of Afghanistan, Kabul, and other cities, following attacks by Afghan forces on Pakistani military positions along their shared border. The attacks began early on Friday morning, with a series of air raids targeting Afghan government buildings and military installations.

According to reports from Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Kabul, Nasser Shadid, the bombing campaign was followed by anti-aircraft fire from Afghan forces. The Pakistani Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, stated that his country’s “patience has run out” with the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan, and that Pakistan would now be waging “open war”.

The attacks have also targeted a military base in Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan, according to reports from Al Jazeera. The Pakistani Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, claimed that 133 Afghan Taliban fighters had been killed in the attacks, while nine positions were captured and 27 destroyed.

In response to the attacks, the Afghan government has launched its own military operations against Pakistani military bases in Kandahar and Helmand provinces. An Afghan military source confirmed that 10 Pakistani soldiers were killed in the attacks, and 13 outposts captured.

The situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan has deteriorated significantly since fighting broke out on October 1st, resulting in over 70 deaths on both sides of the border. The tensions stem from accusations by Pakistan that Kabul has allowed armed groups to use Afghanistan as a base for launching attacks on Pakistan.

The United Nations has called for urgent de-escalation of the situation, urging both parties to uphold their obligations under international law and protect civilians.

Source: Al Jazeera