Pakistan Declares ‘Open War’ on Taliban, Jets Bomb Kabul

Pakistan has declared what it calls “open war” with Afghanistan’s Taliban government and launched air strikes on Kabul and other cities. Explosions were heard in Kabul and Kandahar, while heavy fighting continues along the border near Torkham. Pakistan claims it destroyed Taliban posts and killed fighters, while Afghan officials dispute some of those claims. The situation marks one of the worst escalations since the Taliban took power in 2021.

Explosions Rock Kabul and Border Areas

Blasts were reported in Kabul early Friday. Residents heard fighter jets flying overhead. Similar explosions were reported in Kandahar and Paktia province.

The clashes began along the Torkham border crossing in Nangarhar province. Taliban security forces and Pakistani troops exchanged fire. The tension quickly spread.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the situation has now reached “open war”. That is a serious phrase. It shows how deep the conflict has become.

Pakistan’s Position and Claims

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan always sought peace. However, he added that the armed forces will firmly confront any aggression.

Pakistani state media reported that several Taliban locations were destroyed. These include posts in Kandahar, Paktika and near Bajaur sector. Officials claimed dozens of fighters were killed and many wounded.

A spokesperson for the prime minister shared figures claiming more than 100 Taliban members were killed and several posts captured. These numbers have not been independently verified.

Pakistan also said its aircraft remain in Afghan airspace targeting what it called threats.

Taliban Response and Ground Situation

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia were hit. He claimed there were no casualties from some of the bombings, though reports are still unclear.

On the ground in Kabul, Taliban security personnel were seen checking vehicles at checkpoints. Tension was visible. Movement appeared tighter than usual.

In Jalalabad, wounded women were treated in hospitals after a mortar shell reportedly hit a camp for people returning from Pakistan. Images from the area showed injured civilians receiving care.

Both sides are blaming each other for starting the latest round of fighting.

Border Clashes Not New

Experts say clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan have increased since 2021. After US and NATO forces withdrew, tensions along the border rose.

Reports suggest there have been dozens of clashes since that time. Pakistan has previously carried out air strikes inside Afghanistan. Friday’s attack appears to be among the largest in recent months.

The Torkham crossing is a key trade and travel route. When fighting erupts there, it affects thousands of people.

This conflict is not just about one incident. It reflects deeper mistrust.

Regional Reaction and Calls for Dialogue

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged both sides to resolve differences through dialogue. He spoke about the importance of restraint, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

Iran offered to help facilitate talks between Kabul and Islamabad. So far, there is no sign of immediate negotiations.

Regional stability is at risk if fighting spreads further. South Asia already faces economic and political pressures.

A Dangerous Escalation

Analysts describe this as a grave escalation. Using air power raises the stakes. Once jets are involved, the conflict moves to another level.

Both Pakistan and Afghanistan accuse each other of supporting hostile groups. That issue has remained unresolved for years.

For civilians living near the border, fear grows fast. Markets close early. Schools sometimes shut down. Families stay indoors.

The longer this continues, the harder it becomes to step back.

What Happens Next

It is unclear how long this phase of fighting will last. Pakistan says it will defend its security and sovereignty. Taliban authorities say they will respond to aggression.

Diplomatic channels may open quietly. Or tensions could rise further. Much depends on what happens in the coming days.

For now, explosions in Kabul and fighting near Torkham signal one clear fact. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached a new low.

Peace feels distant at this moment. Yet dialogue may be the only real solution.