Pakistan strikes cities in Afghanistan — war declared
This was reported by Reuters.
According to Pakistani security forces, the strikes targeted Taliban posts, headquarters and ammunition depots in various sectors along the border and within Afghanistan.
The report states that both sides claim significant losses, but cite different figures that cannot be independently verified.
Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said: "Our cup of patience has run over. Now there is open warfare between us and you."
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that air strikes had been carried out in the areas of Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia province.
According to the Pakistani side, counterattacks are continuing in response to "unprovoked Afghan attacks." Pakistani government spokesman Mosharraf Zaidi said that 133 Taliban fighters were killed, more than 200 wounded, 27 posts destroyed and nine captured.
The Taliban reported 55 Pakistani soldiers killed and 19 posts captured. According to their data, eight fighters were killed, 11 were wounded, and 13 civilians were injured in Nangarhar province.
Reuters witnesses in Kabul reported numerous explosions, ambulance sirens and the sound of jet planes.
It is noted that the escalation occurred after fighting along the 2,600-kilometre border on Thursday night. Pakistan had previously announced air strikes on Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State militant camps in eastern Afghanistan.
Kabul reported that 13 civilians were killed in the previous strikes and said it would not allow militants to operate from its territory. The Taliban also warned of a harsh response.
The Afghan state-run Bakhtar News Agency published images of a suicide squad and reported, citing a source in the security services, that they were equipped with explosive belts and cars loaded with explosives and were ready to attack large targets.
The clashes erupted after the Taliban announced retaliatory strikes against Pakistani military targets on Thursday night. Both sides claimed to have destroyed border posts.
