Pakistan launched air strikes across Afghanistan on Friday, including in Kabul, declaring what officials described as open war after months of escalating border violence, according to Agence France-Presse.
Jets and explosions were reported in Kabul and Kandahar as Pakistani forces targeted Taliban defense positions in multiple provinces.
Pakistan's defense minister says latest clashes with Taliban mean 'open war.' Here's what we know. https://t.co/pOByJhKzBx
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Pakistan’s defense minister said Islamabad had reached the end of its restraint following repeated attacks on its border troops. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned that Pakistan’s military is fully capable of responding to any aggression.
Afghan officials confirmed the strikes and said they had launched their own large-scale border operations in response.
Afghanistan’s defense ministry reported eight soldiers killed, while Pakistan said dozens of militants were hit. Afghan officials also reported civilian injuries near the Torkham border crossing.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply deteriorated since October, with border crossings largely closed and ceasefire efforts brokered by Qatar and Turkey failing. The fighting follows a wave of militant attacks on both sides, including deadly bombings claimed by Islamic State affiliates.
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