Afghanistan shocks Pakistan; Taliban carries out airstrikes in Islamabad and other cities

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday announced that its conflict with the Taliban has now turned into an “open war.” In a fresh development, the Taliban has claimed that it carried out airstrikes inside Pakistan, including in the capital Islamabad and the military headquarters city of Rawalpindi. Taliban reportedly used helicopters and drones in the attacks. A statement released by Afghanistan’s National Defense Ministry claimed that airstrikes targeted a military camp near Faisalabad in Islamabad, the army cantonment in Nowshera, a military township in Jamrud, and areas in Abbottabad.

Media reports also said that unmanned armoured vehicles were used in overnight attacks on Pakistani military centres. However, Pakistan has not officially confirmed that airstrikes took place inside its territory. It did confirm clashes between troops from both sides along the Durand Line, the border between the two countries.

Tensions increased early this morning after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan's capital Kabul and the major city of Kandahar. Pakistan has named its military action 'Operation Ghazab Lil Haq.'

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on X that 'Our patience has reached its limit. Now it is open war between us and you.' Pakistan stated that its action was a response to Afghan attacks on its military posts.

The Pakistani airstrikes reportedly targeted Afghan military bases in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia. Pakistan claimed that major military centres in Kabul and Kandahar were destroyed.

Meanwhile, the Taliban administration claimed that its forces crossed into Pakistani territory last night, captured 19 military posts and killed 55 Pakistani soldiers. The Taliban also released a video claiming that it shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet, but this has not been officially confirmed yet.