Pakistan says it is in 'open war' with Afghanistan as nations exchange strikes

"Khawaja Asif said that Pakistan had hoped for peace in Afghanistan after the United States and allied forces withdrew in 2021, but that its patience with the Taliban government had run out and that Pakistan's forces would respond decisively to what he described as Afghan aggression."

"Pakistan carried out strikes in Kabul and Kandahar, the base of Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada, as well as in the eastern border region of Paktia, according to officials in both nations. On Friday, the Afghan Ministry of Defense said it launched strikes against military targets in Islamabad and Abbottabad."

"U.N. Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett called for calm and the two nations to respect international law and civilian rights after the tensions 'regrettably flowed into violence.' 'Immediate de-escalation is essential,' he said in a Friday post on X."

Pakistan and Afghanistan engaged in direct military confrontation, with Pakistan striking Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, while Afghanistan responded with attacks on Islamabad and Abbottabad. Pakistan's defense minister Khawaja Asif announced the country would pursue open war against Afghanistan, citing exhausted patience with the Taliban government following the 2021 U.S. withdrawal. Both nations claimed their strikes were retaliatory and targeted military positions. Pakistan reported 133 Taliban casualties, while Afghanistan claimed 55 Pakistani soldiers killed and multiple military positions captured. The U.N. called for immediate de-escalation and adherence to international law.

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