Pakistan carried out extensive airstrikes on major Afghan cities, including Kabul, early Friday, marking a serious escalation with Afghanistan’s Taliban government.
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The attacks follow months of cross-border clashes and failed diplomacy.
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Residents in Kabul and Kandahar reported explosions and fighter jets through the night.
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Heavy fighting occurred near the Torkham border, affecting Afghan returnee camps.
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Witnesses described panic as families fled for safety.
The offensive comes after Afghan forces allegedly attacked Pakistani border troops, prompting Islamabad to retaliate.
This has led Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, to declare an all-out confrontation” and open war with the Taliban government.
Border crossings have largely remained closed since October clashes that killed over 70 people on both sides. Pakistan blames the Afghan Taliban for not curbing militant groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has increased attacks since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
This represents Pakistan’s most significant assault on Kabul and its first known air operation targeting southern Taliban strongholds
