Pakistan’s defence minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, said Friday that Pakistan is now in “open war” with Afghanistan following a sharp escalation in cross-border military strikes between the two countries.
The statement came after both sides carried out air and drone strikes across the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, marking one of the most serious escalations between the neighbouring states in recent years.
Escalation of Hostilities
Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities announced what they described as a retaliatory operation targeting Pakistani military posts near the border.
Afghanistan said it launched cross-border attacks in response to earlier Pakistani airstrikes.
Pakistan subsequently conducted airstrikes in Kabul and other Afghan provinces including Kandahar and Paktia.
Pakistan’s defence minister stated:
“Our patience has now run out. Now it is open war between us.”
Military Claims and Casualty Figures
Casualty figures differ significantly between the two sides.
Taliban authorities claimed:
19 Pakistani military posts and two bases captured
55 Pakistani soldiers killed
Pakistan’s military stated:
22 Afghan military targets struck
More than 200 Taliban fighters killed
At least 12 Pakistani soldiers killed
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid later said:
13 Taliban fighters killed
22 injured
13 civilians injured, with an unspecified number killed
Independent verification of casualty figures has not been confirmed.
Drone Activity
Afghan sources said drones were launched targeting Pakistani military positions.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Atta Tarar said Pakistani forces intercepted Afghan drones targeting:
• Swabi
• Nowshera
• Abbottabad
Abbottabad is a major military garrison city in Pakistan.
Wider Context
The escalation follows:
• Months of cross-border clashes
• A fragile ceasefire agreed to in October
• Failed negotiations aimed at a broader end to hostilities
Pakistan has accused the Afghan Taliban of allowing militant groups to operate from Afghan territory. Taliban authorities have denied those accusations.
The shared Pakistan–Afghanistan border spans approximately 2,600 kilometres.
Migration and Refugee Impact
Pakistan launched a migrant crackdown in October 2023 targeting undocumented migrants.
According to United Nations refugee agency data:
• 2.9 million people returned to Afghanistan last year
• Nearly 80,000 have returned so far this year
Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees over the past five decades.
Current Status
As of publication:
• No formal declaration of war has been issued by either government
• The “open war” description reflects remarks made by Pakistan’s defence minister
• Ceasefire prospects appear uncertain
This represents one of the most serious military escalations between Pakistan and Afghanistan since 2021.
About the Author Brad Socha is the founder of The Universal Record, an independent platform dedicated to sourced, factual reporting on global events. The publication focuses on delivering verified information without opinion or editorial bias. Based in Canada, the publication covers international news, geopolitics, technology, and global developments.
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