Fresh cross-border attacks have heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan’s defence minister, declared the country was now at “open war” against Afghanistan. Pakistani patience has ended after recent border attacks, he said.
After the Afghan Taliban began a massive offensive against Pakistani military positions late on Thursday night, things got worse.
Taliban Claims Major Offensive
Officials from the Taliban said that they began a revenge operation at 8 pm local time. In their statement they claimed to have captured two military bases and 19 Pakistani posts.
The numbers are not verified.
Pakistan Launches Airstrikes in Afghanistan
Pakistan conducted airstrikes early on Friday morning in Kabul Kandahar and Paktika. The attacks were said to have targeted 22 Afghan position.
He confirmed the deaths of 12 Pakistani troops.
Drone Attacks & Rocket Allegations
Taliban officials claimed that drones were used to strike Pakistani military targets on Friday morning.
Politics and international Reactions
Shehbaz sharif, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, said that Pakistan is fully capable to defend itself. He said there would be no compromises in the protection of Pakistan.
Ishaq Dar, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, spoke to Hakan Fidan from Turkey and Faisal Bin Farhan Al-Saud from Saudi Arabia.
Border Crisis Background
Pakistan and Afghanistan have a mountainous 2,600-kilometer border.
Tensions are high for now. Both governments are preparing for a possible future escalation. Residents living near the border should be on high alert.
