Pakistan has launched a major military offensive against neighbouring Afghanistan, carrying out airstrikes on multiple cities, including the capital, Kabul, in what officials describe as a dramatic escalation of hostilities between the two countries.
Explosions were reported across Kabul early Friday, with residents describing loud blasts and plumes of smoke rising over parts of the city.
Pakistani airstrikes also targeted provinces such as Kandahar and Paktia. Islamabad said the strikes were aimed at Taliban military infrastructure.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, declared on social media that the conflict had escalated into “open war” between Islamabad and Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration.
Earlier, the Taliban government’s spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, said Afghan forces were conducting “large-scale offensive operations” against Pakistani military positions along the Durand Line — the long-disputed border separating the two nations.
The current escalation follows weeks of intermittent clashes and cross-border exchanges of fire. Both governments have repeatedly accused each other of harbouring militant groups responsible for attacks across the frontier. Civilian casualties have reportedly been recorded on both sides, though official figures remain unclear.
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The Secretary-General of the United Nations said he was closely monitoring developments and urged both sides to adhere to international law and prioritise the protection of civilians.
UN human rights officials called for immediate political dialogue to prevent further bloodshed and regional instability.
Meanwhile, Iran urged restraint, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi advocating negotiations grounded in “good neighbourly principles.” Tehran also offered to facilitate talks between the two sides.
Russia similarly appealed for de-escalation, with its foreign ministry calling for an immediate halt to cross-border attacks and expressing readiness to mediate if both parties agree.
Security analysts warn that sustained fighting could destabilise both South and Central Asia, disrupt key trade corridors, and trigger fresh waves of displacement if diplomatic efforts fail.
As of Friday, reports indicated that clashes were ongoing along the Durand Line, with no immediate signs of a ceasefire. Observers say the coming days will be critical in determining whether the crisis deepens or shifts toward negotiations.