Pakistan and Afghanistan Engage in 'Open War' Following Intense Cross-Border Bombardments

Kabul. As the long-standing tension escalates to an extreme level, an 'open war' has commenced between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Relations between the two countries have completely collapsed after the Pakistani military conducted heavy bombings in major cities, including the Afghan capital Kabul and Kandahar, the main stronghold of the Taliban.

Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif announced a direct military confrontation via social media, stating, 'Open war has now begun between us and you.' It is claimed that both sides have suffered heavy casualties from this military action. According to the Pakistani military, 274 Afghan fighters were killed in ground and air attacks carried out on Afghan soil, while 12 Pakistani soldiers lost their lives.

Meanwhile, Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid called the Pakistani claims false, asserting that 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed and several were taken into custody. According to Mujahid, 19 civilians also lost their lives in the Pakistani attacks.

The latest violence intensified following a Pakistani airstrike last week and a retaliatory drone attack by Afghanistan on Thursday. Pakistan has consistently accused Afghanistan of sheltering the 'Pakistani Taliban' (TTP) on its soil, an accusation Afghanistan has denied.

However, as the conflict takes a dire turn, the Taliban government is attempting to exercise restraint and has put forward a proposal for talks. Spokesperson Mujahid stated that the Islamic Emirate is always willing to resolve issues through dialogue and is ready for negotiations to end the violence.

This marks the first time since the Taliban returned to power in 2021 that Pakistan has directly launched air attacks on sensitive cities like Kabul and Kandahar. Analysts suggest that due to the deep ties among the tribes residing on both sides of the Durand Line, sustaining this war will be challenging for Pakistan for a long time.

Currently, the border crossings between the two countries are completely shut down. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, while countries such as Russia, Iran, and Iraq have made an appeal to immediately stop the fighting.