Pakistan Claims Dozens of Taliban Fighters Killed in Airstrikes Across Afghanistan; Defense Minister Declares 'Open War'
Summary
Pakistan claims to have killed dozens of Taliban fighters in airstrikes across Afghanistan, prompting its Defense Minister to declare 'open war' amid escalating tensions. Afghan officials report Pakistani attacks but deny casualties. The conflict follows cross-border military clashes and international calls for diplomacy.
Key Points
- Pakistan conducted airstrikes across Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, claiming over 130 Taliban fighters killed and several strongholds destroyed.
- Afghan forces attacked Pakistani military posts on the border, killing 55 Pakistani soldiers according to Afghan claims.
- Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif declared 'open war' after diplomatic efforts failed and accused the Afghan Taliban of being proxies for India.
- International actors including the UN, Iran, Russia, and the US called for restraint and urged a diplomatic resolution to the escalating conflict.
