Pakistan carried out airstrikes on government targets in Kabul and Kandahar, the headquarters of the Taliban in Afghanistan, officials from both countries confirmed yesterday. Pakistan’s defense minister labeled the situation as “open war,” signaling a significant shift in their relationship.
These airstrikes represent the first direct targeting by Islamabad of Taliban installations instead of militants reportedly supported by them, showcasing a notable deterioration in the once close ties between the neighboring nations. The escalation followed the Afghan Taliban’s announcement of a major offensive against Pakistani military posts near the border, in response to previous Pakistani air strikes.
Despite a fragile ceasefire agreed upon in October, months of clashes have persisted between the two countries without achieving a comprehensive resolution to the conflict. The recent attacks involved air-to-ground missile strikes on Taliban military sites in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia province, accompanied by ground clashes along the border.
Both sides reported significant casualties, with conflicting figures that could not be independently verified by Reuters. Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, asserted their readiness to counter any aggressive actions, while the Pakistani Defense Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, declared the commencement of “open war” against Afghanistan.
The ongoing hostilities risk escalating into a prolonged conflict along the 2,600-km frontier, strained further by Pakistan’s accusations of Afghanistan sheltering militants responsible for cross-border attacks. The situation prompted global leaders, including Turkish, Russian, Chinese, and Iranian authorities, to call for calm and offer mediation to facilitate dialogue between the warring nations.
India also condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghan territory, emphasizing its support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and independence. The recent military actions have heightened tensions in the region, with concerns over civilian casualties and the potential for further violence.
The airstrikes underscore a significant escalation in the conflict, moving beyond previous clashes and targeting not just militant groups but the Taliban regime itself. The situation remains volatile, with both countries positioning for continued confrontation amidst international calls for de-escalation.