Pakistan escalates cross-border strikes, declaring 'open war' on Afghanistan

Pakistan widened its assault into Afghanistan with airstrikes on Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia and claimed to have killed scores of Afghan Taliban fighters, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif saying Pakistan’s “patience has run out” and that it will wage “open war.” Afghanistan, denying civilian casualties, said Pakistani forces hit Kabul and other targets as border clashes near Torkham continued; both sides reported casualties amid a broader escalation. The UN and other powers urged de-escalation and diplomacy, while analysts noted a possible shift toward more kinetic cross-border action.