Pakistan has declared an "open war" against Afghanistan, and in the early hours of this Friday, its combat planes bombed Kabul, while the important border crossing of Torkham between the two countries is witnessing gunfire and bombings. This is another chapter in the ongoing conflict between these two countries with a history of deadly confrontations.
Iran has offered its help to "facilitate dialogue" between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that "the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to provide all necessary assistance to facilitate dialogue and improve understanding and cooperation between the two countries." Meanwhile, China expresses being "deeply concerned" about the conflict.
Taliban Report New Airstrikes on Military Targets in Pakistan
The Taliban government reported on Friday the launch of new airstrikes against command centers and strategic military bases inside Pakistan, hitting facilities in Abbottabad, Nowshera, Jamrud, and near the city of Faisalabad, in the region of the Pakistani capital, according to their account.
According to the official statement, the aerial incursion was carried out successfully at 11:00 local time (06:30 GMT) in direct response to Islamabad's nighttime bombings on Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia.
China Concerned About War Between Pakistan and Afghanistan
China expresses being "deeply concerned" about the clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan and calls for "restraint," stating that they are in discussions with both parties to explore the possibility of a ceasefire.
Taliban Blames "Cowardly Pakistani Army" for Bombings
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused the "cowardly Pakistani army" of bombing several provinces, including the capital. Hours later, the Pakistani Ministry of Information responded that, following a previous Afghan attack, their forces were targeting Taliban regime positions in border districts like Chitral, Khyber, or Kurram. Both governments vowed to defend their territorial integrity "at any cost."
Pakistan Declares "Open War" Against Afghanistan and Combat Planes Bomb Kabul
In the early hours of Friday, the skies of Kabul echoed with Pakistani fighter jet attacks. Two other Afghan provinces were also bombed. Islamabad claims it was only responding to a previous attack launched from Afghan territory. This marks another chapter in a historical rivalry. But the cross-border bombings and artillery exchanges are no longer mere border skirmishes: it is an increasingly direct clash that threatens to escalate a long-standing conflict.
In the morning, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif made a strong statement on social media X: "Our patience has run out. From now on, we are in an open war between you and us," he wrote.
Iran Offers Help to "Facilitate Dialogue" Between Afghanistan and Pakistan
Iran offered its help on Friday to "facilitate dialogue" between Afghanistan and Pakistan, after Islamabad declared an "open war" against the Afghan Taliban government and carried out airstrikes on Kabul following months of deadly border confrontations.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to provide all necessary assistance to facilitate dialogue and improve understanding and cooperation between the two countries," stated Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on social media X