Afghan and Pakistani forces traded airstrikes and artillery fire along the Durand Line on Thursday night, killing dozens on both sides, as Pakistan’s defence minister warned the two countries were now in “open war” after months of escalating clashes.
The fighting erupted after Afghan forces targeted Pakistani military posts in eastern border provinces. Afghan officials said the attacks were in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes in Nangarhar and Paktika earlier this week.
Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said: “In response to the continued aggressions of Pakistan’s military regime, extensive retaliatory offensive operations have commenced against Pakistani military centres and installations along the Durand Line.”
Clashes were reported in Nangarhar, Nuristan, Kunar, Khost, Paktia and Paktika. Mujahid later said 13 Afghan security personnel were killed and 22 wounded in a four-hour battle.
The Afghan Ministry of National Defence claimed 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed, and that two bases and 19 posts were captured. “The assigned objectives were achieved as planned,” the ministry said.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said Taliban forces had “miscalculated and opened unprovoked fire” across the border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, prompting an “immediate and effective response.” It claimed heavy Afghan casualties and said more than 200 Afghans died in subsequent airstrikes.
Early on Friday, Mujahid said Pakistani aircraft bombed locations in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia but added that no one was harmed.
Islamabad has accused Kabul of harbouring Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, a charge the Afghan government denies.
Iran’s foreign minister urged dialogue and offered to facilitate talks. Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi told counterparts in Qatar and Türkiye that Afghanistan “has consistently preferred resolving issues through understanding and mutual respect”.
The fighting has since ceased, but officials on both sides have warned that the situation remains fragile.
U.S. and Pakistani leaders forecast a Sunday signing of a long-elusive framework agreement to end fighting between the United States and Iran, but Teh...
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Georgia to implement reforms to tackle youth unemployment. Nearly 30 per cent of people aged 15-24 ar...
North Korea said on Sunday, 14 June, that denuclearisation is a matter that is irreversibly terminated, in a condemnation of recent nuclear deterren...
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to publish the UK government's long-awaited Defence Investment Plan ahead of next month's NATO sum...
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says British armed forces intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker early on Sunday, as it attempted to p...
U.S. and Pakistani leaders forecast a Sunday signing of a long-elusive framework agreement to end fighting between the United States and Iran, but Tehran cast doubt over the timing and hardline protesters in Iran voiced opposition.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to block or significantly reduce river flows under the Indus Waters Treaty could have “far-reaching consequences”, after India's water minister said New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop” of water reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
Pakistan says it has killed 26 militants in strikes on terrorist hideouts along the Afghan border, marking the most significant escalation between the neighbouring countries since a China-brokered diplomatic effort helped ease tensions earlier this year.
All personnel on board a Pakistani military helicopter were killed when the aircraft crashed near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Wednesday (10 June), according to the country's military.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to block or significantly reduce river flows under the Indus Waters Treaty could have “far-reaching consequences”, after India's water minister said New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop” of water reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
SpaceX made a historic entrance into the Nasdaq on Friday, surging over 20% in its first day of trading and lifting its valuation to more than $2 trillion. Investors flocked to the world’s largest IPO, betting on Elon Musk’s sprawling empire spanning rockets, AI and beyond.
Armenia has every right to choose Europe. But Europe’s support for Armenia’s direction should not become automatic approval of its political process.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
Japan’s birth rate and fertility levels have fallen to their lowest levels on record, highlighting the country’s worsening demographic crisis as fewer people marry and have children.
North Korea said on Sunday, 14 June, that denuclearisation is a matter that is irreversibly terminated, in a condemnation of recent nuclear deterrence talks between the U.S. and South Korea.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to publish the UK government's long-awaited Defence Investment Plan ahead of next month's NATO summit in Ankara, following growing pressure over the UK's military spending commitments.
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says British armed forces intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker early on Sunday, as it attempted to pass through the English Channel.
Hundreds of protesters have torn down fences surrounding a planned luxury development site in Albania, as public anger continues to mount over construction in environmentally sensitive areas.
George Russell continued Mercedes's dominant qualifying form by securing pole position for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, while Lewis Hamilton ensured an all British front row with second place for Ferrari.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment