Pakistan and Afghanistan remain in a state of escalating tension after the Pakistani Air Force carried out airstrikes in multiple Afghan cities, including Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia. Reports from Afghanistan indicate that hundreds of people have been killed and extensive damage has occurred following the strikes.
Airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia
The Pakistani Air Force conducted bombing operations targeting areas in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul, as well as Kandahar and Paktia. Following the attacks, reports emerged of hundreds of fatalities and heavy losses in Afghanistan.
Taliban Attacks Pakistani Posts Along Durand Line
Taliban fighters launched attacks on Pakistani posts and destroyed several Pakistani military checkpoints along the Durand Line. Pakistan subsequently declared war against Afghanistan. The situation escalated to the point that conditions between the two countries resembled a war-like scenario.
Statement by Former President Hamid Karzai
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai responded to the bombing by stating that Afghan citizens would defend their homeland in full unity. He said Afghanistan would not ignore Pakistan’s policies of violence and bombing. Karzai warned that Pakistan would have to change its policies and establish respectful and civil relations with Afghanistan.
Karzai stated that Afghan citizens would respond with bravery and courage. He added that Pakistan could not avoid the problems it had created through its violence and aggressive actions.
Taliban Claims and Casualty Figures
The Taliban stated that it attacked dozens of Pakistani posts. Images of shelling and attacks on Pakistani military positions at the border have emerged. According to the Taliban government, Pakistan has repeatedly violated the border, after which Taliban forces began targeting Pakistani military positions.
The Taliban said it captured several posts and set them on fire. Afghanistan claimed that approximately 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed in the attack and a large number were injured.
Border Tensions and Allegations
Tensions along the Durand Line continue to increase. Pakistan has alleged that fighters of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are hiding in Afghanistan and carrying out attacks in Pakistan. Afghanistan has stated that it will not allow its territory to be used against Pakistan. Clashes and airstrikes along the border continue to escalate between the two countries.
