Islamabad/Kabul, Feb 27 (EFE).- Pakistan and Afghanistan lurched into their most dangerous confrontation in years on Friday, with Islamabad declaring an “open war” and the Taliban government claiming it had carried out airstrikes deep inside Pakistani territory in retaliation for overnight bombings.
The escalation follows days of cross-border strikes that began on Feb 22, when Pakistan targeted alleged militant bases inside Afghanistan.
Since then, both sides have traded air and artillery fire along the disputed Durand Line, pushing tensions between the uneasy neighbors to a breaking point.
As the fighting intensified, Pakistan’s military confirmed that 12 of its soldiers were killed in clashes along the border.
Lt. Gen. Ahmed Chaudhry, director general of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said Pakistani forces had repelled coordinated attacks at 53 locations and responded under what he described as Operation Ghazab lil-Haq.
“While safeguarding Pakistan’s honor and territorial integrity, 12 brave soldiers have embraced martyrdom… 27 have been injured and one soldier is missing in action,” he told reporters in Rawalpindi.
Chaudhry said Pakistan had killed 274 Taliban fighters and injured more than 400, calling the figures conservative estimates.
He added that 73 Afghan border posts had been destroyed and 18 captured by Pakistani forces.
According to the military, 22 locations across Afghanistan, including in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, Nangarhar, Khost, and Paktika, were struck in carefully selected operations targeting what Islamabad says were TTP and Daesh militant camps.
“All targets were selected with great care based on intelligence,” he said, insisting that every effort was made to avoid civilian casualties.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to “crush” any aggression, saying Pakistan’s armed forces were fully prepared to deliver a “befitting reply.”
The military accused the Taliban administration of acting “in collusion” with militant groups and said Kabul must choose “either terrorists and terrorism or side with Pakistan.”
In Kabul, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghan forces had struck military targets in Pakistan, including command centers and strategic bases in Abbottabad, Nowshera, Jamrud, and areas near Faisalabad.
Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry said the strikes were launched late morning in response to Pakistani bombings overnight in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia.
Mujahid claimed Taliban forces had seized 19 Pakistani military positions and two headquarters in a ground operation meant to send a deterrent message.
“Our hand can reach their neck,” he warned, while insisting that Kabul still prefers dialogue. “We have always insisted on a peaceful solution and we still want the problem to be resolved through talks,” he said.
Casualty figures remain sharply contested. Pakistan puts Taliban losses far higher.
Taliban authorities claim at least 75 Pakistani soldiers have been killed and accuse Islamabad of striking civilian areas, including women and children.
If the rival claims were combined, the toll would be nearly 400 dead, though none of the figures have been independently verified.
Despite the explosions overnight, parts of Kabul appeared calm on Friday morning. Markets reopened in neighborhoods such as Karte Naw, and residents ventured out as preparations for Eid continued.
Still, unease lingered.
“We were restless last night hearing those terrifying sounds again after a long time,” said Khair Mohammad, a resident of Khair Khana. Younger Afghans spoke of renewed fears that the conflict could spiral.
At the heart of the crisis is Pakistan’s long-standing accusation that the Taliban harbor fighters from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), responsible for attacks inside Pakistan.
Kabul denies allowing militants to operate from its territory and calls the TTP issue an internal Pakistani matter that predates the Taliban’s 2021 return to power.
As the fighting intensifies, global concern is mounting.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres is following the situation “with concern,” urging both sides to protect civilians and return to diplomacy.
UN rapporteur Richard Bennett warned that a prolonged conflict could deepen regional instability and worsen Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis.
Germany said it was “watching with great concern,” China offered to continue mediating and called for a ceasefire, and Russia urged both “friendly” nations to abandon what it described as a dangerous confrontation and resume dialogue. EFE
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