Pakistan has launched airstrikes on key cities in Afghanistan, including Kabul, escalating tensions and resulting in what's being termed an 'open war' by Pakistani officials.
In a significant escalation of hostilities, Pakistan has conducted extensive airstrikes on several major cities in Afghanistan, with Kabul being the most impacted. Pakistan's Defence Minister has characterized the situation as a state of 'open war,' following Afghan forces' attacks on Pakistani border troops after previous airstrikes were executed by Islamabad. Reports from the ground indicate a night filled with explosions and low-flying jets, with Afghan authorities confirming continued fighting at border areas such as Torkham.
The bombardment represents a marked increase in military action, notably being the first substantial air assault on Kandahar, a critical base for the Taliban regime that regained control over Afghanistan in 2021. Witness accounts describe ongoing aerial activity and fighting within various provinces, showcasing the escalating nature of the conflict. The Taliban government has raised alarms about the incursion of Pakistani surveillance aircraft into Afghan airspace, further inflaming tensions between the two neighbors.
As the situation unfolds, implications for regional stability are grave, with both nations caught in a vicious cycle of retaliatory attacks. The ongoing violence could exacerbate humanitarian crises in Afghanistan, which is already grappling with severe socio-economic challenges. Diplomatic resolutions appear increasingly distant as military engagements continue to dominate headlines, marking a critical juncture in Afghanistan-Pakistan relations.
