Pakistan-Afghanistan War Update: Tensions Rise After 55 Soldiers Killed; Khawaja Asif Declares Open War

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan sharply increased early Friday after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul and two other Afghan provinces.

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The strikes came just hours after Afghan forces reportedly launched attacks on Pakistani border troops in what the Taliban-led government described as retaliation for earlier deadly airstrikes.

Residents in Kabul reported hearing at least three explosions, along with the sound of aircraft flying overhead.

However, there was no immediate confirmation about the exact locations targeted in the capital or reports of casualties at that time.

Strikes Reported in Kandahar and Paktia

Afghanistan's government spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, said that Pakistan also carried out airstrikes in Kandahar in southern Afghanistan and in Paktia province in the southeast.

Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that Afghan Taliban defence targets were hit in Kabul, Paktia and Kandahar.

However, Mujahid accused the Pakistani military of targeting areas in those provinces and described the strikes as "cowardly." He added that, according to initial reports, there were no confirmed casualties from the airstrikes.

Border Dispute Along the Durand Line

The latest clashes are linked to tensions along the Durand Line, a 2,611-kilometre border between the two countries. Afghanistan has not formally recognised this border, which has long been a source of disputes and military confrontations.

Earlier, the Taliban-led Afghan government claimed that its forces had captured 19 Pakistani military outposts and killed 55 Pakistani soldiers during cross-border fighting. Pakistan has not officially confirmed these figures.

Afghanistan Calls Its Action 'Retaliation'

Afghan officials said their military launched large-scale operations late Thursday in response to Pakistani airstrikes carried out earlier in the week. According to Afghan authorities, those earlier strikes resulted in civilian deaths, including women and children.

Afghanistan's Defence Ministry said its forces targeted Pakistani military bases and installations across the Durand Line in multiple border provinces, including Paktika, Paktia, Khost, Nangarhar, Kunar and Nuristan.

The ministry claimed that during a four-hour battle, Afghan fighters destroyed several Pakistani positions and captured some soldiers. It also said that some Pakistani troops fled from their posts.

Casualties on Both Sides

Afghan authorities confirmed losses on their side as well. According to official statements, eight Taliban fighters were killed and 11 were injured in the fighting.
In addition, 13 Afghan civilians - including women and children - were reportedly injured in what Afghan officials described as a missile strike on a refugee camp in Nangarhar province.

There has been no independent verification of the casualty figures provided by either side.
Rising Tensions in the Region

The fresh exchange of strikes highlights the growing instability along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Relations between the two neighbouring countries have remained tense since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.

Frequent clashes, accusations of cross-border attacks and disputes over the Durand Line have kept the border region volatile.

With airstrikes and ground fighting reported within hours of each other, the situation remains fragile. Both sides have accused each other of aggression, raising concerns about further escalation.

Observers say diplomatic efforts may be required to prevent the conflict from widening and to reduce tensions in the border areas, where civilians often bear the brunt of violence.

Credit: Oneindia