The situation on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has deteriorated sharply, leading to a declaration of open armed conflict. Following a series of mutual rocket and bomb attacks, Islamabad announced an end to its patience with the Taliban government. Pakistani aircraft bombed targets in Kabul and Kandahar, marking an unprecedented escalation of tensions that have been ongoing since 2021. The international community, led by China and Iran, is appealing with growing concern for an immediate ceasefire and mediation to avoid a regional catastrophe.
Declaration of Open War
Pakistan officially declared a state of war with the Taliban authorities following a series of border violations and terrorist attacks.
Bombing of Kabul and Kandahar
The Pakistani air force attacked key Afghan cities, marking the most drastic military move in years.
China and Iran as Mediators
Neighboring powers are trying to halt the conflict, fearing regional destabilization and a refugee wave.
Response of the Afghan Taliban
Kabul announced massive retaliatory operations on Pakistani territory in response to the airstrikes.
Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have reached a critical point, resulting in the official declaration of a state of "open war" by Pakistan's Ministry of Defence. The immediate trigger for the current escalation was massive attacks by the Afghan army on Pakistani territory on February 26. In response, the Pakistani air force conducted airstrikes on strategic points in Afghanistan, including the capital Kabul and the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar. Pakistani authorities, through a government spokesperson, communicated that their patience with Kabul's support for terrorist groups has definitively run out. Tensions between the countries have been rising since the Taliban's takeover of power in Afghanistan in 2021. The bone of contention remains the Durand Line, the internationally recognized but Afghanistan-disputed border established during British colonial times.Pakistan's military operation is retaliatory in nature, but its scale suggests a longer campaign aimed at forcing the Taliban to change their security policy. The Pakistani defence minister stated categorically that from now on, there can be no talk of diplomatic half-measures. Powerful explosions were heard in Kabul, and the Afghan Ministry of Defence announced "massive" retaliatory attacks, deepening the spiral of violence. The situation is complicated by the fact that Pakistan was for years accused of covertly aiding the Taliban, but after their return to power, it has become a primary target of attacks by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which operates from safe havens within Afghanistan. „C'est désormais la guerre ouverte entre nous et vous.” — Pakistan's Minister of Defence2 — Afghanistan's two largest cities (Kabul and Kandahar) were bombed by PakistanDiplomatic activity in the region is particularly visible in the stance of Beijing and Tehran. China, a key investment partner for Pakistan, expressed "deep concern" and offered to mediate, fearing for the stability of its infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, Iran, which borders both conflicting states, called for dialogue, pointing to the threat of a migration and humanitarian crisis. The current escalation threatens to destabilize the entire South Asia region, as both sides possess significant military arsenals, and Pakistan is additionally a nuclear power. Experts indicate that without swift intervention by third parties, the conflict could transform into a protracted border war with unpredictable consequences for global security.