Pakistan Declares “Open War” After Launching Airstrikes Across Afghanistan

Pakistan has declared what officials described as “open war” against Afghanistan following a wave of airstrikes under Operation Ghazab Lil Haq targeting positions held by the Taliban in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. Pakistani authorities said the strikes killed more than 100 fighters and destroyed militant infrastructure, describing the operation as a response to escalating cross border attacks on Pakistani security posts.

Islamabad has accused Kabul of sheltering members of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, which it blames for deadly raids inside Pakistan. Afghan officials have rejected the allegations and reported retaliatory strikes, with both sides claiming military and civilian casualties.

Unverified reports circulating on social media include claims of a downed Pakistani F 16 jet and the death of Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, though neither claim has been independently confirmed.

The escalation follows months of rising tension along the Durand Line, the disputed border separating the two countries. Regional powers including Iran, Russia, China and the United States have urged restraint, warning that further escalation could destabilize the wider region.