Pakistan-Afghanistan Open War has erupted after intense cross-border clashes and fresh airstrikes on Kabul and Kandahar. Islamabad launched Operation “Ghazab Lil Haq” following renewed fighting along the shared frontier. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared that patience had ended and described the situation as open war.
Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia after accusing Afghan forces of attacking border troops. Afghan officials said their forces acted in retaliation for earlier Pakistani strikes that they claim killed civilians. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed explosions in Kabul and Kandahar.
Casualty figures differ sharply. Afghanistan said 55 Pakistani soldiers died and several were captured. Pakistan denied those claims and reported only two troop deaths. Islamabad said it killed more than 130 Afghan fighters and destroyed multiple military facilities. Both sides exchanged heavy fire near the Torkham crossing, where mortar shells wounded refugees.
Afghanistan claimed it shot down a Pakistani F-16 jet, releasing unverified footage. Pakistan rejected the allegation.
The violence threatens a fragile ceasefire mediated by Qatar. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged restraint and called for diplomacy to prevent further escalation.
