In a significant escalation of military tensions, Afghanistan has launched new attacks against Pakistani forces along the border. This response follows reported airstrikes by Pakistan targeting the Afghan cities of Kabul and Kandahar. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban government, announced on social media that Afghan forces have commenced extensive retaliatory operations against positions held by Pakistani soldiers following air assaults on Afghan territory.

The conflict is intensifying, with Pakistan's information minister, Attaullah Tarar, claiming that the military operations were aimed at Taliban military targets in Kabul and Kandahar. Simultaneously, reports from the ground in Kabul indicated the sounds of heavy explosions and gunfire, suggesting a significant military engagement in the capital. The hostilities reflect a deterioration in relations between the two nations that share a complex and often contentious border.

Pakistani military operations earlier this weekend included airstrikes on Afghan provinces such as Nangarhar and Paktia, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 70 members of militant groups, although these claims have been denied by Afghan authorities. This cycle of retaliation underscores the volatility of the region and raises concerns about the potential for broader conflict as both sides continue to interact aggressively across the porous border.