Pakistan launched airstrikes targeting what it described as militant hideouts in Afghanistan early Friday, escalating a conflict that prompted a call for de-escalation from United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. The strikes, hitting areas near Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, followed retaliatory attacks by Afghan Taliban forces on Pakistani military installations on Thursday, according to reports from both countries.
The Pakistani Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that Pakistan’s patience had run out, declaring “open war” with Afghanistan. This followed Afghan forces conducting “large-scale” air attacks on Pakistani military facilities, as reported by a Taliban spokesperson. Explosions and gunfire were reported in Kabul for over two hours, according to AFP reporters on the ground.
The escalating violence stems from a series of cross-border clashes that began over the weekend with Pakistani airstrikes within Afghanistan. Islamabad claimed these strikes targeted camps and hideouts of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group operating along the border, and the Islamic State group. The UN reported at least 13 civilians were killed in those Pakistani strikes.
Secretary-General Guterres expressed concern over the clashes, urging both Afghanistan and Pakistan to adhere to international law and protect civilians. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, stated Guterres encourages the parties to resolve their differences through diplomacy, commending mediation efforts by several member states in recent months.
According to Pakistani officials, at least two soldiers were killed in Thursday’s counteroffensive by the Afghan Taliban. Pakistan has long accused Afghanistan of harboring terrorists who carry out attacks within Pakistan. Similar clashes occurred in the autumn, resulting in the deaths of 70 Afghan civilians, according to UN figures.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari stated that the response from Pakistan’s armed forces would be “comprehensive and resolute,” adding that his country would make no concessions regarding peace and territorial integrity. The Pakistani Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, characterized the military action as an “appropriate response” to what he termed “open aggression” by the Taliban. Taliban spokesperson Sabihullah Mujahid warned Pakistan against further escalation, threatening to target “key cities and important installations” within Pakistan should Kabul or other major Afghan cities be attacked.
