A 48-hour ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan collapsed, leading to renewed clashes. Pakistan’s defense minister declared an “open war,” accusing Afghanistan of harboring militants (TTP) and acting as India’s proxy, while Afghanistan denied the claims and accused Pakistan of violating its sovereignty.
Pakistan conducted airstrikes targeting TTP hideouts in Afghanistan, prompting Afghan retaliation. Pakistan claims 274 militants/Afghan forces killed and 12 soldiers lost, while Kabul reports 13 soldiers and 19 civilians dead, plus alleged Pakistani troop captures—denied by Islamabad.
The clashes center on the disputed Durand Line, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of sheltering TTP militants (linked to the Afghan Taliban). Pakistan also suspects India of exploiting unrest, citing Taliban visits to New Delhi as evidence of encirclement.
Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Russia urge de-escalation, while the UN warns of civilian casualties. The conflict has displaced thousands, worsening a refugee crisis—Pakistan expelled millions of Afghans in 2023, with nearly three million returning to Afghanistan.
The Taliban faces internal crises but must respond to Pakistani aggression, while Islamabad, besieged by militant attacks, refuses to back down. The situation risks prolonged conflict, with fragile peace efforts hanging in the balance.
A fragile 48-hour ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan collapsed last week, reigniting deadly clashes along their disputed border and prompting Pakistan’s defense minister to declare the two nations in a state of “open war.”
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