Pakistan declares 'open war' with Afghanistan after cross-border strikes

Pakistan has declared it is in a state of 'open war' with Afghanistan. The announcement came after Pakistan conducted airstrikes inside Afghanistan, reportedly targeting areas including Kabul and the provinces of Laghman and Kandahar. The Taliban government in Afghanistan confirmed fighting was ongoing in border areas.

Pakistan's defense minister stated the country is waging an 'open war' against the Taliban-led government. The strikes are part of what Pakistan calls 'Operation Ghazab Lil Haq'. The Taliban has not detailed its military response but acknowledged the clashes.

The declaration marks a significant and dangerous escalation in long-standing tensions between the two neighbors. The core dispute involves Pakistan's accusation that the Taliban harbors militants from the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which launches attacks into Pakistan from Afghan soil.