Tensions Escalate as Pakistan Declares ‘Open War’ With Afghanistan

Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, has described the escalating hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government as an “open war,” as explosions were reported in Kabul and clashes intensified along the border.

Earlier, Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghanistan had launched “large-scale offensive operations” against Pakistani military positions along the Durand Line, the border separating the two countries.

Pakistani authorities claimed their forces killed 133 Taliban fighters, while two Pakistani security personnel lost their lives. In contrast, Afghan officials said 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed and eight of their fighters died during the confrontations.

The renewed fighting marks a sharp escalation after weeks of tension and cross-border clashes, with both sides previously reporting dozens of casualties as several countries have called for restraint and urged both parties to de-escalate the situation amid fears of a broader regional conflict involving Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale