New Delhi: Pakistan and Afghanistan have entered a dangerous phase of open war, with Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declaring that his country’s patience has run out. In a post on X, Asif said “Our patience has reached its limit. Now it is open war between Pakistan and Afghanistan.” This came after Pakistan carried out airstrikes on Afghan cities including the capital Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, Khost, Laghman and others, targeting what it called Taliban military posts and terrorist hideouts.
The Pakistani army claimed that 297 Afghan fighters have been killed and more than 450 have been injured. 13 to 19 Civilian casualties have been reported in Pakistani strikes.
India has strongly condemned Pakistan’s actions.“India strongly condemns Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghan territory that have resulted in civilian casualties including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan.”The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in an official statement.
“It is another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures. India reiterates its support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence,” the statement added.
While US President Donald Trump legitimised Pakistan’s attacks and supported the move, he said while talking to the media, “I would intervene. But I get along with Pakistan very very well. They have a great Prime Minister, a great General. They have a great leader. Two of the people that I really respect a lot. Pakistan is doing terrifically well.”
The latest escalation started with long-standing tensions over the 2,611-km Durand Line border, which Afghanistan does not fully accept. Pakistan blames the Afghan Taliban government for sheltering the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) also known as Pakistani Taliban or Fitna al Khawarij.
Pakistan said the Afghanistan based TTP carries out attacks inside Pakistan, including a recent suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad that killed over 30 people. Pakistan claims it has clear proof linking the TTP’s Afghanistan-based leaders to these attacks. It accused New Delhi of being behind the ongoing conflict also.
Afghan government spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid denies these charges, rejecting the claim that India is responsible for or involved in the current conflict. “These claims are baseless, illogical, and contrary to established facts. Afghanistan maintains diplomatic relations with India, just as it has with Pakistan.” He said.
“At no point has Afghanistan allowed its territory to be used as a battleground for proxy rivalries between other states. The Islamic Emirate has not been used as a tool against any country, nor has it been influenced or manipulated by external powers,” He added.
The current escalation began last weekend when Pakistan launched airstrikes on eastern Afghan provinces like Nangarhar and Paktika. The United Nations said credible reports showed 13 Afghan civilians killed in those strikes. Afghanistan reported more civilian deaths, including women and children.
This led to Afghan retaliatory actions on Thursday, February 26, with Taliban forces attacking Pakistani military posts along the border. Pakistan described these as major offensives and responded with heavy airstrikes early Friday on multiple sites, including Kabul and Kandahar where many Taliban leaders are based.
The Taliban claimed that 55 Pakistani soldiers have been killed, destroyed 19 Pakistani posts and bases, and hit targets inside Pakistan using drones and other means.
Pakistan’s army stressed that its strikes carefully avoided civilians and focused only on military and militant targets. But residents in Kabul reported hearing explosions and feeling panic, with debris cleanup needed in some areas.
The Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the group has always tried to solve issues through dialogue and still wants talks now. He added that the Islamic Emirate is ready to resolve matters peacefully. Afghanistan’s military chief promised a stronger response if attacks continue, but also said they would not start clashes without reason.
This is not the first major clash. In October 2025, there were days of cross-border strikes, killing over 70 people on both sides. Qatar and Turkey helped mediate talks in Doha and Istanbul, leading to a fragile ceasefire. But talks failed to stop the problems, with both sides blaming each other for not being serious about peace.
Now, international calls for calm are growing. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged an immediate ceasefire and diplomatic talks. Iran offered to mediate, noting the holy month of Ramadan calls for restraint. China, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and others also pushed for de-escalation and dialogue to avoid more harm, especially to civilians.
While India supported Afghanistan’s right to defend itself and reiterated for a quick end to the fighting through talks. The situation remains tense, with both sides trading blame and claims of victory as the world and India are monitoring the situation closely.
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