The Pakistan Afghanistan Conflict has entered a dangerous phase after Pakistan launched air strikes targeting Kabul and other Afghan cities. Rising border clashes between the two neighbouring countries have pushed tensions to what Pakistani officials describe as an “open war.”
The latest fighting marks one of the most serious escalations in the Pakistan Afghanistan Conflict in recent years, raising fears of prolonged military confrontation and regional instability.
What Triggered the Latest Pakistan Afghanistan Conflict?
The crisis intensified after Afghan Taliban forces reportedly attacked Pakistani military positions along the disputed Durand Line border. Pakistan responded with overnight air strikes targeting locations in Kabul, Kandahar, and other strategic provinces.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that Islamabad’s patience had ended, declaring that relations between both nations had moved into open confrontation.
Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities confirmed military exchanges along the border, saying their operations were carried out in response to earlier Pakistani attacks.
These retaliatory actions have significantly worsened the Pakistan Afghanistan Conflict, with both sides accusing each other of starting the violence.
Areas Hit During Pakistan’s Air Strikes
According to official statements, Pakistani forces targeted:
- Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital
- Kandahar province
- Paktia and nearby border regions
Reports indicate that military installations and ammunition facilities were among the main targets. Heavy gunfire and artillery shelling were also reported near the important Torkham border crossing, a key trade and migration route between the two countries.
Security forces from both nations have since reinforced positions along the frontier as the Pakistan Afghanistan Conflict continues to expand.
Casualties and Conflicting Claims
Both governments have released different casualty figures, making independent verification difficult.
Pakistan claims hundreds of Taliban fighters were killed and several military posts destroyed. Afghan authorities, however, report far lower losses while accusing Pakistan of causing civilian casualties.
Afghanistan also claims its forces carried out counterattacks on Pakistani military bases along the border. Pakistan has rejected these claims.
The conflicting reports highlight the confusion and propaganda often seen during escalating phases of the Pakistan Afghanistan Conflict.
Why Are Afghanistan and Pakistan Fighting?
The roots of the Pakistan Afghanistan Conflict go back decades but have intensified since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.
1. The Disputed Durand Line
The Durand Line, a 2,600km border separating both countries, remains a major source of disagreement. Afghanistan has never officially recognised the boundary, arguing it divided ethnic Pashtun communities during colonial rule.
2. Militancy and Security Concerns
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan’s Taliban government of allowing armed groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate from Afghan territory and launch attacks inside Pakistan.
The Taliban deny these allegations and instead accuse Pakistan of carrying out cross-border attacks that harm civilians.
3. Rising Regional Violence
Increasing militant attacks in Pakistan’s border provinces have added pressure on Islamabad to take stronger military action, further worsening the Pakistan Afghanistan Conflict.
Military Balance Between Both Countries
Analysts say Pakistan holds a major advantage due to its air power and organised military structure. Afghanistan’s Taliban forces mainly rely on ground operations and unconventional tactics.
Experts warn that continued exchanges of artillery fire, drone attacks, and air strikes could prolong the Pakistan Afghanistan Conflict, even if a full-scale invasion remains unlikely.
Global Reaction to the Escalation
International leaders and organisations have called for restraint:
- The United Nations urged both countries to respect international law and avoid further escalation.
- Iran called for dialogue and peaceful negotiations.
- Russia and China encouraged diplomatic solutions.
- India condemned air strikes that reportedly affected civilians.
Global concern continues to grow as instability between Afghanistan and Pakistan could impact trade, migration, and security across South and Central Asia.
What Happens Next?
Despite strong military rhetoric from both sides, analysts believe prolonged border clashes are more likely than a conventional war. However, continued retaliation risks pushing the Pakistan Afghanistan Conflict into a wider regional crisis.
Diplomatic mediation may become necessary to prevent further violence and protect civilians living along the volatile border region.
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