Pakistan-Afghanistan 'Open War' Declared

Pakistan and Afghanistan have engaged in a dramatic escalation of cross-border attacks, with Pakistan's defense minister declaring a state of 'open war.' Afghanistan initiated attacks in retaliation for earlier Pakistani airstrikes, followed by Pakistan's retaliatory airstrikes in Kabul and other Afghan provinces. Tensions have been high for months, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan's Taliban government of harboring militant groups like the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and allying with India, its archrival. Afghanistan denies these claims, stating its internal conflict is a domestic issue. Both sides have issued sharply differing casualty claims. International actors including Qatar, Turkey, Russia, Iran, and the United Nations are calling for de-escalation and diplomatic resolution. The conflict also highlights the ongoing issue of Afghan refugees, with Pakistan having launched a crackdown to expel undocumented migrants.