Afghanistan has reportedly carried out strikes on targets inside Pakistan, further escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries. Afghan officials said the operation was a response to earlier Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory and alleged violations of its sovereignty.
The cross-border attacks mark a significant deterioration in relations between the two countries, which have exchanged accusations over militant activity and border security for several years. Both sides have reported casualties and damage, although casualty figures remain disputed.
Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of allowing militant groups, including the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), to operate from Afghan territory and launch attacks into Pakistan. Afghan authorities have denied those allegations and accused Pakistan of violating Afghan sovereignty through airstrikes and military operations.
Following the Afghan strikes, Pakistan launched additional military operations, including airstrikes on locations in Kabul and other Afghan provinces, leading to fears of a broader conflict. Some Pakistani officials described the situation as an “open war” between the two countries.
The United Nations and several regional powers have called for restraint and urged both sides to resolve their differences through diplomacy. Concerns are growing that continued escalation could destabilize the region and worsen the humanitarian situation along the border.
Analysts say the latest clashes represent one of the most serious confrontations between Afghanistan and Pakistan in recent years, with the risk of further military exchanges remaining high unless diplomatic efforts succeed in reducing tensions.