Pakistan conducted overnight airstrikes against Taliban government targets in Kabul and Kandahar, marking the first time Islamabad has directly attacked Afghan ruling forces rather than the militant groups accused of operating from its territory.
Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated: “Our patience has run out. This is open war between us and you.”
Pakistani security sources said the strikes used air-to-ground missiles, targeting Taliban military facilities in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia province. Ground fighting erupted in several areas along the approximately 1,615-mile border between the two countries.
The Taliban confirmed the airstrikes occurred in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, while announcing retaliatory attacks on Pakistani military targets, including the use of UAVs.
Both sides provided widely differing casualty figures. Pakistan government spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi said 133 Taliban fighters were killed, over 200 injured, 27 posts destroyed, and 9 posts brought under control. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 19 posts captured, while the Taliban recorded 8 fighters killed, 11 injured, and 13 civilians injured in Nangarhar. Reuters has not been able to independently verify these figures.
Video verified by Reuters shows thick black smoke rising from two locations in Kabul along with large fires. Witnesses in the Afghan capital heard jet engines, loud explosions, and prolonged ambulance sirens.
Tamim, a taxi driver in Kabul, recounted that a plane appeared and dropped two bombs on what was suspected to be an arms depot before departing, followed by secondary explosions.
Tensions have escalated after years of Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of sheltering Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and armed groups conducting cross-border attacks. The Taliban denies this, stating that Pakistan's security is an internal matter.
Russia, China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia are reportedly participating in mediation efforts. Iran has also offered to help mediate, as Tehran undergoes important negotiations with Washington regarding its nuclear program.
Pakistan has placed its security on high alert, particularly in Punjab province, while conducting a crackdown and moving 90 Afghan citizens to deportation centers. Afghan state media in Nangarhar released images of a suicide attack unit, stating the force is ready to strike major targets.
The South Asian region remains sensitive as Pakistan possesses nuclear weapons, while the Taliban has decades of experience in guerrilla warfare.
Source: Reuters; Pakistan Ministry of Defense spokesperson; Taliban spokesperson.
