ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP).— The Pakistani army, backed by artillery and aviation, attacked more military installations inside Afghanistan during the night and early hours of Saturday, after Pakistan assured that it is in “open war” with its neighbor.
Pakistan said more than 300 Afghan forces have been killed since fighting broke out Thursday night following a wide-ranging Afghan cross-border attack on Pakistani territory. Afghanistan rejected these figures and called them false. Victim data could not be independently confirmed.
Origin of the fighting: attacks against the TTP
The clashes occur in response to Pakistani bombings carried out last Sunday in Afghanistan. Islamabad claimed that its target was the outlawed Pakistani Taliban (TTP), an insurgent group with close ties to the Afghan Taliban.
However, Kabul maintains that only civilians were killed in those attacks.
Following the Afghan offensive, Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif declared: “Our patience has run out. Now there is an open war between us.”
Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said 331 Afghan forces were killed and more than 500 wounded in the ongoing attacks. He also noted that 102 Afghan posts were dismantled, 22 captured and 163 tanks and armored vehicles in 37 locations were destroyed.
For his part, the deputy spokesman for the Afghan government, Hamdullah Fitrat, rejected these figures and accused Pakistan of attacking civilian areas in Paktika, Khost, Kunar, Nangarhar and Kandahar, as well as refugee camps in Torkham. According to Kabul, 52 people were killed – mostly women and children – and 66 were injured.
Allegations of bombings of civilians
The United Nations warned that several Afghan cities were bombed, representing a new escalation and increasing the risk for the civilian population.
The Afghan government reported that 13 of its forces were killed and 22 wounded, in addition to ensuring that 55 Pakistani soldiers died. Pakistan reported 12 soldiers dead, 27 wounded and one missing.
Pakistani state media said the air force carried out targeted strikes against key military installations in eastern Afghanistan.
Pakistani authorities reported that hundreds of residents fled near the Torkham border crossing. In recent days, Pakistan has also deported dozens of Afghan refugees.
Ejaz Ul Haq, an Afghan refugee stranded at the border, said he cannot return because of the fighting. Furthermore, many families face difficulties in obtaining food during the month of Ramadan.
Afghanistan responds with new attacks
The Afghan Ministry of Defense reported that it attacked Pakistani military bases in Miranshah and Spin Wam, destroying facilities and causing numerous casualties.
An Afghan official said that Islamic Emirate forces destroyed Pakistani police stations, military units and security towers.
Afghan spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated that the attacks seek to send “a message” and warned that they will respond to any new action by Pakistan.
Tensions between the two countries have increased since October, when dozens of people were killed in border clashes. A Qatar-brokered ceasefire temporarily reduced the violence, but subsequent talks failed to produce a lasting agreement.
In recent days, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and China have tried to mediate again to avoid further escalation of the conflict.
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