Pakistan's military conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan, targeting Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, following a declaration of "unlimited war" against its neighbor. Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid confirmed the strikes on 27/2, though no casualties were reported initially.

Witnesses in Kabul described the first airstrike occurring at 1h50 on 27/2, followed by a second bombing wave. Afghan air defense batteries engaged Pakistani fighter jets in response. A Taliban official corroborated that Pakistani aircraft struck targets in Kabul and a military base in Kandahar, southern Afghanistan. The Taliban announced a retaliatory operation, without providing details.

Released video showed a large explosion as Pakistan targeted at least two structures in Kabul, resulting in a significant fire and a towering smoke plume. The purpose of these locations and the extent of the damage remain unclear.

Pakistan's declaration of "unlimited war" came in response to an attack launched by the Taliban on the morning of 26/2. Pakistan's Ministry of Information stated that "Taliban forces in Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram, and Bajaur are being punished for unprovoked attacks," adding that "Pakistan will take all necessary measures to ensure the territorial integrity, security, and safety of our citizens."

On the same day, Afghanistan's Ministry of Defense released a video, filmed on 26/2, showing military vehicles moving at night amidst intense gunfire. The ministry reported that retaliatory attacks occurred in six provinces bordering Pakistan and concluded at midnight. However, following Pakistan's airstrikes on Kabul, Taliban forces launched a new large-scale retaliatory operation from Kandahar and Helmand provinces against the neighbor's military bases.

Conflicting casualty figures emerged from both sides. Pakistan claimed its military eliminated 133 Taliban members, wounded hundreds, and destroyed numerous Afghan military bases and equipment. In contrast, Afghanistan reported only eight of its soldiers killed and 13 wounded. Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson for the Afghan government, announced that Afghan forces eliminated 55 Pakistani soldiers, captured several, and seized 19 military outposts. Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that their forces suffered casualties in the fighting but reported a much lower figure of two soldiers killed and three wounded.

Location of Afghanistan and Pakistan. *Graphic: Al Jazeera*

These escalating tensions follow Pakistan's military attacks last week on positions of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, and a group affiliated with the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) on Afghan territory. Pakistani officials stated these groups were responsible for multiple attacks in their country.

Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif accused Afghanistan of being "a gathering place for all terrorists in the world and starting to export terrorism, while depriving people of their rights." Asif further stated, "Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees over the past half-century. Pakistan's patience has run out. We are taking decisive action. This is unlimited war."

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Reuters, CNN)