Pakistan Defence Minister Declares ‘Open War’ with Afghanistan Following Strikes
Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, stated that the country is in an open war with Afghanistan after Islamabad conducted airstrikes on Kabul in response to escalating violence. This declaration follows a series of attacks that intensified the already strained relations between the two nations.
Key Developments:
– Strikes Initiated: The Pakistani military launched airstrikes across Afghanistan, targeting cities such as Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktika. This response was triggered after the Afghan Taliban announced a significant offensive against Pakistani military positions near the border.
– Catalyst for Conflict: Asif remarked, Our patience has now run out, underlining the frustrations leading to this military action. The Taliban’s moves came just days after a fragile ceasefire was agreed upon in October, which had already seen multiple violations.
– Claims of Territory: The Taliban reported taking control of 19 Pakistani military posts and two bases during its counter-offensive, claiming that 55 Pakistani soldiers had been killed. However, these figures remain unverified by external sources.
Retaliatory Actions:
– In response, Pakistan asserted that the Taliban had acted provocatively, claiming they had fired unprovoked shots into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Pakistani army announced it successfully targeted 22 Afghan military sites, resulting in the death of over 200 Taliban fighters, while acknowledging that 12 Pakistani soldiers had also lost their lives.
– The Taliban spokesperson, Mujahid, contested these claims, stating only a fraction of their forces were impacted, with 13 Taliban fighters killed and 22 wounded, alongside civilian casualties.
Escalating Tensions:
– Both nations have reported heavy losses, with each side accusing the other of inflicting damage while sustaining minimal impacts themselves.
– As tensions escalated, Mujahid claimed the Taliban had also conducted airstrikes on Pakistani military positions using drones. Pakistan’s Information Minister, Atta Tarar, reported the interception of Afghan drones targeting military garrisons.
International Reactions:
– Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, emphasized the military’s readiness to counter any threats, asserting there would be no compromise in defending their nation.
– While Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar engaged in talks with Turkish and Saudi counterparts to discuss the urgent need for peace and stability, Iran has offered to mediate dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
– Additionally, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper urged both sides to recommit to negotiations, stressing the importance of de-escalation and civilian protection.
Conclusion:
With both nations entrenched in allegations of hostility and a failure to maintain the October ceasefire, the situation remains precarious. The declaration of open war signals a significant escalation in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, warranting close attention from the international community as the potential for further conflict looms large.