Pakistan defence minister declares ‘open war’ with Afghanistan after explosions heard in Kabul in latest escalation of violence

Pakistan’s defense minister declared ‘open war’ on Afghanistan after the army launched airstrikes in response to a Taliban attack on the border.

Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, was rocked by multiple explosions in the early hours of Friday; Dramatic images published by Pakistani news show large explosions in residential areas.

Unverified images published on social media showed huge fireballs exploding into the sky, while at least three provinces were confirmed to have been hit.

Two senior Pakistani security officials said the airstrikes targeted what they described as ‘Afghan military facilities’ in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia provinces, and two brigade bases were allegedly destroyed.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif claimed that Pakistan had made every effort to avoid a free-fall conflict but was left with no other option.

‘We have run out of patience. “There’s an open war now,” he said early Friday.

In a series of posts on X, Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said: ‘The people of Pakistan and the armed forces are always ready to protect the security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. Pakistan’s armed forces carry out their duties with national enthusiasm.

‘No compromises will be made in the defense of our beloved homeland, and every attack will be met with a crushing response.’

Afghan Taliban fighters patrolled near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border on Thursday, the scene of cross-border clashes

As the dust settled from the attacks, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said: ‘The cowardly Pakistani army carried out air strikes on certain parts of Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia.’ He said there was no loss of life.

The latest bombardment was Pakistan’s response to a Taliban raid on the border on Thursday; Pakistan said two of its soldiers were killed while responding to ‘unprovoked fire’.

Afghanistan said the clash was in retaliation for deadly Pakistani airstrikes on its border areas on Sunday.

While both sides claimed to have suffered significant losses, the Taliban reported capturing 15 border posts, killing some 55 soldiers and also capturing a large number of soldiers.

According to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Pakistan denied the capture of any border posts or capture of soldiers and reported three deaths in addition to the two deaths.

The Taliban, which has controlled all of Afghanistan since the withdrawal of Western troops in 2020, said it had launched a ‘large-scale’ operation in response to last weekend’s attacks.

“In response to repeated rebellions and insurgencies by the Pakistani army, large-scale offensive operations have been launched against Pakistani military bases and military installations along the Durand Line,” Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in a post on Thursday night. he said.

Pakistani officials said previous attacks targeted militant camps and alleged hideouts.

Clashes also broke out on a separate part of the border on Thursday, with both sides reporting exchanges of fire in the Torkham area.

Afghan authorities evacuated a refugee camp near the Torkham border crossing after several refugees were injured, local officials said.

On the Pakistani side, police said residents were evacuated to safer areas, while some Afghan refugees waiting to return to Afghanistan were also moved to safe areas.

Tension and violence are rising along the 1,622-mile-long shared border known as the Durand Line, which Afghanistan does not officially recognize.

This is breaking news. More to follow.