Photo: EPA
Full-scale hostilities have erupted between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Overnight on February 27, the two sides exchanged strikes, and Pakistani authorities declared that the conflict had entered a phase of “open war.”
Pakistan launched air and ground attacks on targets in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, according to Sky News. Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said explosions were heard in several districts of the capital, while witnesses reported numerous ambulance sirens following powerful blasts.
Pakistani officials said the strikes targeted Taliban posts, headquarters, and ammunition depots along the border.
How it began
The escalation came hours after Afghanistan carried out a cross-border attack on Pakistani territory. Kabul said the strike was retaliation for earlier Pakistani air raids on militant camps in eastern Afghanistan that reportedly killed 13 civilians.
Tensions between the countries have been rising for months, with regular border clashes causing military and civilian casualties. Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of harboring Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which carries out attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul denies this and says Pakistan’s security problems are an internal matter.
Casualties: conflicting claims
Both sides report heavy losses, though none of the figures have been independently verified.
Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry claims:
55 Pakistani soldiers killed
- 19 posts captured
- 8 Taliban fighters killed
- 11 wounded fighters
- 13 wounded civilians
Pakistan says:
- 133 Afghan fighters killed
- 200 wounded
- 27 Afghan posts destroyed
- 9 fighters captured
Pakistan’s information minister Attaullah Tarar stated that two Pakistani soldiers were killed and three wounded. Government spokesman Musharraf Zaidi denied reports that Pakistani troops had been captured.
Most dangerous moment in decades
Pakistan’s defense minister Khawaja Asif said the country’s patience had run out, accusing the Taliban of turning Afghanistan into a hub of international terrorism and a base for attacks against Pakistan. President Asif Ali Zardari said the army was delivering a “decisive response,” warning that anyone mistaking Pakistan’s restraint for weakness would face a harsh reaction.
A Sky News correspondent described the situation as “the most unstable and dangerous moment in decades” in relations between the two countries.
Possible international mediation
China said it was deeply concerned and ready to mediate to reduce tensions. Russia also indicated it would consider mediation if both sides requested it. A ceasefire brokered by Qatar in October has effectively collapsed, and both militaries remain on high alert as the border situation stays tense.
