Pakistan-Afghanistan War News Live Updates: Iran offers to mediate Afghanistan conflict as Pakistan strikes, PM says forces ready to ‘crush’ Taliban
Local residents stand next to a damaged car at the site of a cross-border Pakistani army strike in the Behsud district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan. (Photo: AP/PTI)
Pakistan-Afghanistan War Today News Live Updates:Pakistan’s defence minister has said the country is in “open war” with Afghanistan after fresh airstrikes and cross-border attacks between the two neighbours, according to the Associated Press (AP). The escalation follows days of tension after Pakistani strikes inside Afghanistan and retaliatory action by Afghan forces along the disputed Durand Line.
What is happening?: Explosions and the sound of aircraft were heard in Kabul early Friday, hours after Afghanistan said it had launched attacks on Pakistani border posts. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif wrote on X: “Our patience has reached its limit. Now it is open war between us and you.” Pakistan’s military said it launched an operation named “Ghazab Lil Haq” in response to what it called unprovoked firing from across the border. Afghanistan said its forces had carried out “large-scale offensive operations” against Pakistani military positions along the Durand Line.
Story continues below this ad
What is the current situation: Both sides say they carried out airstrikes and ground attacks. Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry said its forces captured more than a dozen Pakistani posts and destroyed 19 check posts and two bases. It said the fighting ended at midnight. Pakistan rejected those claims. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said two Pakistani soldiers were killed and three wounded. He said 36 Afghan fighters were killed. Afghanistan said 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed and that several were captured. It said eight Afghan soldiers were killed and 11 wounded. The casualty figures from both sides have not been independently verified.
How did this start?: The escalation follows Pakistani airstrikes last Sunday along the Afghan border. Islamabad said it targeted camps of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Afghanistan however alleged that the strikes hit civilian areas and violated its sovereignty. Afghan spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the cross-border assault was in response to repeated Pakistani actions.
Current situation
- Pakistan said it carried out strikes targeting Afghan military facilities in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia. Afghan officials reported civilian injuries near the Torkham border crossing after shelling hit a camp for returnees.
- Residents on both sides have been moved to safer areas. The situation remains tense, with both countries accusing each other of starting the violence.
Live Updates
Stay updated with the latest – Click here to follow us on Instagram
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd