Pakistan declares open war on Afghanistan after air strikes

Pakistan carried out air strikes on Kabul and Kandahar and its defence minister said the countries are now in "open war"; officials reported fighting and casualties along the shared border, while regional actors called for de‑escalation.

Pakistan carried out air strikes on Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, and on Kandahar, officials reported. Pakistan's defence minister framed the exchange as an "open war" and accused Afghan authorities of harbouring militants. Reports said there were casualties and further fighting along the long shared border. Regional and international figures urged de‑escalation and offered mediation efforts. Key known developments: - Pakistan reported strikes in Kabul and Kandahar, saying targets included Taliban government sites. - Pakistan's defence minister announced the conflict as "open war" and accused Afghanistan of sheltering militant groups and acting against Pakistani interests. - Both sides reported casualties and cross‑border fighting; independent verification of casualty claims was not available. Summary: The strikes represent a marked escalation in tensions between the neighbours and have produced reported casualties and renewed border fighting. Regional powers and international officials have called for diplomacy and offered to mediate. Undetermined at this time.