Pakistan has targeted major cities in Afghanistan with airstrikes, marking the first direct attack on its former allies. Islamabad has accused the Afghan government of harboring militants, describing the situation as an "open war".
The attacks targeted Kabul and Kandahar, where Taliban leaders are based. "Now it is an open war between us and you," a spokesperson for the Pakistani military command stated, referring to Afghanistan.
Relations between the two neighbors have been strained due to a long-running dispute. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Kabul of sheltering militants who carry out attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban denies these allegations, stating that Pakistan's security issues are its internal affair.
A spokesperson for the Pakistani military's media wing, Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, told reporters that airstrikes targeted 22 military locations in Afghanistan, resulting in the deaths of 274 Taliban officials and fighters. He also confirmed that at least 12 Pakistani soldiers were killed.
In contrast, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed and that the Taliban had taken control of 19 positions. Mujahid confirmed that Pakistani warplanes struck parts of Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia on Thursday, and Paktika, Khost, and Lagman on Friday.
This is the first time Islamabad has attacked military facilities belonging directly to the Taliban, rather than militants it claims are supported by the group. This action severely damages relations between the two neighboring countries.
According to Pakistani security sources, the strikes included air-to-ground missile attacks on military administrative headquarters and Taliban military sites in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia province, in response to Afghan attacks that occurred on Thursday.
The Taliban, which denies supporting militant attacks on Pakistan and makes similar accusations against its neighbor, stated that Thursday's attacks on Pakistani military facilities were retaliatory but that they are ready to negotiate.
Both sides have reported conflicting information about multiple ground clashes along the border and heavy casualties, though Reuters has been unable to independently verify these figures.
Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said on Friday: "We have run out of patience."
