Rising military tension along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border has taken a serious turn after Pakistan declared an “open war” against Afghanistan and announced a large-scale military campaign. The Pakistani military claimed that 133 Afghan fighters were killed in airstrikes carried out in Kabul and Kandahar. In response, Afghanistan claimed that 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed in its counterattack. However, none of these claims have been independently verified.
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Pakistan Launches Operation “Ghazab Lil Haq”
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the situation between the two countries has reached an open conflict stage due to continued cross-border attacks. The Pakistani army also announced the launch of Operation “Ghazab Lil Haq”, which officials said is aimed at preventing alleged militant activities originating across the border.
Reports indicate that Pakistan carried out aerial bombardment in Kabul and Kandahar regions on Friday. Following the attack, retaliatory actions were reported from the Afghan side. Afghan officials claimed that their forces crossed the border and targeted Pakistani military positions, attempting to capture more than a dozen Pakistani security checkpoints.
Afghanistan’s Counterattack and Border Clashes
According to Afghanistan’s defence ministry, eight Afghan soldiers were killed during ground clashes. Afghan authorities also reported mortar shelling near a camp of people returning from Pakistan in the Torkham border area, which left several civilians injured. Seven refugees were among the injured, and a woman was reported to be in critical condition. Movement across the border has remained largely restricted since fighting escalated in October, although some Afghan returnees have been allowed entry.
Military Targets and Escalating Claims
Pakistani military officials claimed that their forces targeted military installations in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia. The Pakistani government described the Afghan attack as an unprovoked action and rejected claims of Pakistani checkpoint capture. State broadcaster reports claimed that two brigade headquarters in Kabul, one corps headquarters and one brigade headquarters in Kandahar, along with ammunition depots and logistics bases, were destroyed. Another corps headquarters in Paktia was also claimed to have been destroyed.
No official response has yet been issued by Afghanistan regarding these claims. The Taliban administration stated that its forces were acting to defend national sovereignty. Security experts in the region have expressed concern over the escalating conflict.
Analysts warn that a prolonged conflict could trigger a humanitarian crisis and severely affect civilian populations living in border areas. The international community has urged both countries to exercise restraint and resolve the dispute through diplomatic dialogue.
At present, neither Pakistan nor Afghanistan has indicated plans to withdraw troops from the border region, keeping the situation highly uncertain. Calls for intensified international mediation efforts are also growing.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
