Pakistan conducted airstrikes on government targets in Kabul and Kandahar, where the Taliban leadership is located, officials from both countries reported recently, with Pakistan’s defense minister labeling the situation as “open war.”
These strikes mark the first instance of Islamabad directly targeting Taliban installations instead of militants allegedly supported by them, signifying a notable shift in the relationship between the two countries, which were once close allies.
The airstrikes were in response to the Afghan Taliban’s declaration of a significant offensive against Pakistani military posts near the border, following earlier Pakistani airstrikes in the week.
Despite a fragile ceasefire agreed upon in October, the two nations have been engaged in clashes for months, failing to reach a comprehensive agreement to end hostilities through negotiations last year.
Security sources in Pakistan disclosed that the airstrikes included air-to-ground missile attacks on Taliban military facilities in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia province, accompanied by ground clashes along the border.
Both sides reported substantial casualties, with conflicting figures that could not be independently verified by Reuters. Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, affirmed the country’s readiness to quash any aggressive moves by Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif declared, “Our cup of patience has overflowed. Now it is open war between us and you (Afghanistan).”
The situation raises concerns about a prolonged conflict along the 2,600-km frontier, with relations between Kabul and Islamabad strained due to Pakistan’s allegations that Afghanistan shelters militants responsible for cross-border attacks.
According to a Pakistan military spokesperson, the airstrikes targeted 22 Afghan military sites, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 Pakistani soldiers and 274 Taliban members since Thursday night. The military operation continues under the prime minister’s directives.
On the other hand, the Taliban spokesperson, Mujahid, reported 55 Pakistani soldiers killed and 19 posts captured, with eight Taliban fighters killed, 11 wounded, and 13 civilians injured in Nangarhar province.
Mujahid mentioned the presence of Pakistani aircraft in Afghan airspace and expressed Afghanistan’s willingness to resolve the conflict through dialogue.
Following a pause in hostilities, AFP journalists observed shellfire and resumed cross-border clashes near the Torkham border crossing, prompting calls for de-escalation from global leaders.
Russia, the only country recognizing the Taliban government, urged an end to hostilities and offered to mediate talks if requested by both sides. China and Iran also expressed concerns and offered to assist in facilitating dialogue between the two nations.
India strongly condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghan territory, emphasizing support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and independence amid the escalating tensions.
Pakistani security officials shared videos showing border firing and artillery sounds. Footage verified by Reuters depicted airstrikes in Kabul with thick smoke rising from targeted sites.
The conflict underscores the significant disparity in military capabilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan, although the Taliban’s expertise in guerrilla warfare poses a challenge, honed through years of combat with foreign forces before reclaiming power in 2021.
Recent months have seen a deterioration in relations between the neighboring countries, with land border crossings largely closed following deadly clashes in October. Facilitated negotiations by Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia previously helped halt hostilities.
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of neglecting to act against militant groups launching attacks in Pakistan, a claim denied by the Taliban government. Most attacks have been attributed to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), intensifying assaults since the Afghan Taliban’s resurgence.
The latest airstrikes represent a significant escalation from previous clashes, according to South Asia expert Michael Kugelman, noting that Pakistan has extended its targeting beyond the TTP to the Taliban regime itself.
