Pakistan launches airstrikes on Kabul and Kandahar as defense minister declares 'open war'
Pakistan launched extensive airstrikes and ground assaults against Taliban government targets in major Afghan cities overnight on Friday, February 27, marking a drastic escalation in regional tensions.
Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif characterized the situation as "open warfare" following a surge in cross-border hostilities. The strikes reportedly targeted ammunition depots and military headquarters across the 2,600-kilometer border.
Military operations and casualties
Security sources in Islamabad confirmed that the operation included both aerial bombardments and ground-based artillery. Impact zones were reported in the capital, Kabul, as well as in Kandahar and Paktia province.
Video footage from Kabul shows thick plumes of black smoke and several large fires burning across the city. Witnesses reported the sound of military aircraft followed by heavy explosions and the continuous sirens of emergency vehicles.
Casualty figures remain disputed. Pakistani government spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi claimed that 133 Taliban combatants were killed and 27 positions destroyed.
Taliban response and retaliation
The Taliban government rejected Pakistan's figures, asserting that only eight fighters and 13 civilians were killed. In retaliation, Kabul claimed to have killed 55 Pakistani soldiers and captured 19 border posts.
"Our patience has reached its limit," stated Defense Minister Asif. "This is now open war between us and you."
The conflict intensified earlier this week after Islamabad targeted Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camps inside Afghanistan. The Taliban responded on Thursday night with what they termed "retaliatory strikes" on Pakistani military installations.
Regional security implications
State-affiliated media in Nangarhar recently released images of specialized suicide units, claiming they are prepared to strike major targets. This development signals a potential shift toward asymmetric warfare.
The escalation stems from long-standing accusations by Pakistan that Kabul provides sanctuary to militants. The Taliban continues to deny these claims, insisting that Pakistan’s security challenges are internal.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
