Pakistan-Afghanistan 'Open War' Escalates

Pakistan launched extensive air and ground strikes against targets in Afghanistan, including Kabul and Kandahar, following months of escalating cross-border clashes. Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif declared an 'open war' with the Taliban government, accusing Afghanistan of failing to act against militant groups like Pakistani Taliban (TTP) that carry out attacks in Pakistan. The Taliban government, through spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, confirmed the strikes and announced retaliatory 'large-scale offensive operations,' denying harboring militants and reporting casualties among its soldiers and civilians. This marks the most serious escalation between the neighbors in months, threatening regional stability. Previous ceasefire attempts brokered by Qatar and Turkey, and mediation by Saudi Arabia for prisoner releases, have failed to prevent the current conflict. The United Nations mission in Afghanistan reported civilian casualties from earlier Pakistani strikes. Iran and China have called for de-escalation and offered to facilitate dialogue.