Pakistan strikes Kabul hours after Afghanistan attack on border troops

Pakistan launched airstrikes on major Afghan cities, including Kabul, on Friday. This action came after Islamabad's defense minister announced that the two countries are in "open war" after months of conflict. On Thursday night, Afghan forces attacked Pakistani border troops, which the Taliban government claimed was in response to previous deadly airstrikes. Reports from AFP journalists in Kabul and Kandahar confirmed they heard explosions and saw jets flying overhead. The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has worsened significantly in recent months, with land border crossings largely closed since deadly clashes in October that resulted in over 70 deaths on both sides. Pakistan blames Afghanistan for not taking action against militant groups that launch attacks inside Pakistan, which the Taliban government denies. Despite several rounds of negotiations following an initial ceasefire facilitated by Qatar and Turkey, these talks have not resulted in a lasting resolution. Both countries reported that dozens of soldiers were killed in the latest border violence, which occurred after multiple Pakistani strikes and ongoing clashes at the border. Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced on X that "Afghan Taliban defense targets were hit in Kabul, Paktia province, and Kandahar." Defense Minister Khawaja Asif also declared an "all-out confrontation" with the Taliban government, stating, "Our patience has reached its limit. Now it is open war between us and you," on social media.