Major Developments

9 minutes ago
Turkey’s foreign minister engaged in talks with both sides; Qatar and Saudi Arabia were also part of the outreach.

19 minutes ago
Iran proposed stepping in to help broker negotiations.

55 minutes ago
After Tehran’s proposal, China announced efforts to mediate the escalating border dispute.

1 hour 6 minutes ago
An image circulating shows Taliban fighters positioned near Torkham with a rocket launcher as fighting continues.

1 hour 19 minutes ago
Violent confrontations have resumed despite last year’s ceasefire agreement.

Pak-Afghanistan ‘open war’ LIVE: Pakistan has reportedly stated that 133 Afghan Taliban fighters were killed and over 200 injured in its latest offensive. Issuing a stern warning to Kabul, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the country’s armed forces can “crush any aggressive ambitions,” while Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared that Islamabad’s “patience has reached its limit,” describing the situation as an “open war.”

Journalists from AFP reported renewed firing and artillery exchanges near the vital Torkham border crossing. Shelling allegedly began from the Afghan side around 9:30 am (0500 GMT) on Friday, followed by retaliatory cross-border fire.

Fighter jets of the Pakistani Air Force were seen patrolling over Afghanistan’s Kandahar region, according to Dawn citing state media sources. Security officials were quoted as saying the armed forces are fully prepared to counter any aggression with a strong response.

Overnight, tensions surged dramatically, with both Islamabad and Kabul accusing each other of initiating hostilities and reporting significant casualties. Explosions and gunfire were heard in Kabul and Kandahar as leaders on both sides traded sharp accusations.

Afghanistan’s defence ministry claimed that 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed in retaliatory strikes along the 2,611-km Durand Line on Thursday. The border — long disputed and not formally recognised by Kabul — has remained a persistent flashpoint between the neighbours.

In a statement, the Afghan ministry said the operation began at 8:00 PM on the 9th of Ramadan (February 26), calling it a response to what it described as earlier violations of Afghan territory by Pakistani forces. Afghan troops reportedly targeted Pakistani military positions along the Durand Line in areas near Paktika, Paktia, Khost, Nangarhar, Kunar and Nuristan.

Pakistan, however, rejected Kabul’s claims. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi termed the strikes a “befitting response” to what he called “open aggression” by the Afghan Taliban. AFP reported that blasts and gunfire echoed in Kabul and Kandahar as tensions escalated.

Pakistan’s information ministry alleged that Afghan forces initiated “unprovoked fire” at multiple sites in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, adding that the attacks were met with an “immediate and effective response.”

10 Key Developments

Pakistan carried out airstrikes targeting major Afghan cities, including Kabul and Kandahar, prompting swift retaliation from the Taliban administration.

Afghan forces launched cross-border operations against Pakistani troops, calling them retaliatory actions for earlier air raids.

Kabul claimed 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed in a four-hour operation along the Durand Line, asserting that two bases and 19 posts were seized.

The Taliban government said eight Afghan fighters were killed and 11 wounded, while alleging 13 civilians were injured in a missile strike on a refugee camp in Nangarhar.

Pakistan disputed these figures, with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar reportedly stating that only two Pakistani soldiers were killed and three injured.

Islamabad claimed at least 133 Afghan fighters were killed, more than 200 wounded, 27 posts destroyed and nine captured, according to PTI.

Pakistan launched “Operation Ghazab lil Haq,” describing it as a retaliatory campaign following alleged Taliban attacks on border installations.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared an “all-out confrontation,” stating that the conflict had entered the stage of open war.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that Pakistan’s forces are capable of crushing hostile intentions, while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi again called the action a “befitting response.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both nations to safeguard civilians and pursue dialogue under international law as hostilities intensify.

Pak-Afghanistan ‘Open War’ LIVE: 133 Taliban Fighters Killed, Over 200 Injured, Says Islamabad
Pakistan has claimed that 133 Afghan Taliban fighters were killed and more than 200 wounded in its latest military offensive. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned Kabul that Pakistan’s armed forces can “crush any aggressive ambitions,” while Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Islamabad’s “patience has reached its limit,” calling the situation an “open war.”

Fresh Shelling Reported Near Torkham Border Crossing
AFP journalists reported renewed gunfire and artillery exchanges near the key Torkham crossing. Shells were allegedly fired from the Afghan side around 9:30 am (0500 GMT) on Friday, prompting retaliatory cross-border fire.

PAF Jets Patrol Kandahar Skies
Fighter aircraft from the Pakistani Air Force were seen patrolling over Afghanistan’s Kandahar region, according to Dawn citing state media. Security sources said the armed forces are fully prepared to respond firmly to any escalation.

Kabul Claims 55 Pakistani Soldiers Killed Along Durand Line
Afghanistan’s defence ministry said 55 Pakistani troops were killed in retaliatory strikes along the 2,611-km Durand Line on Thursday. The border, long disputed and not formally recognised by Kabul, remains a persistent flashpoint. Afghan authorities said the operation began at 8:00 PM on the 9th of Ramadan (February 26) in response to alleged earlier violations of Afghan territory.

Afghan forces reportedly targeted Pakistani military posts near Paktika, Paktia, Khost, Nangarhar, Kunar and Nuristan.

Pakistan Terms Strikes ‘Befitting Response’
Pakistan rejected Kabul’s claims. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi described the action as a “befitting response” to what he called “open aggression.” Information Minister Attaullah Tarar disputed Afghan casualty figures, saying only two Pakistani soldiers were killed and three injured.

Taliban Claims Drone Strikes Inside Pakistan
Afghanistan’s defence ministry said Taliban forces conducted drone strikes targeting Pakistani military sites. Tarar responded that drones were intercepted by anti-drone systems and that there was no loss of life.

Iran Offers to Mediate
Iran offered to facilitate dialogue between the two neighbor’s. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is ready to assist in promoting understanding and cooperation amid rising tensions.

UN Urges Restraint and Protection of Civilians
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on both sides to protect civilians and resolve their differences through diplomacy in accordance with international law.