Pakistan’s defence minister has declared that the country is now in an “open war” with Afghanistan, following a series of cross-border airstrikes and military confrontations.
Khawaja Muhammad Asif said Islamabad’s patience had been exhausted after fresh attacks attributed to Afghan forces. His remarks came after Pakistan carried out airstrikes targeting Kabul as part of a broader escalation.
Offensive and counter-offensive
The violence intensified after the Afghan Taliban announced a large-scale offensive on Thursday night against Pakistani military positions near the border. The group said it launched a “retaliatory operation” around 20:00 local time, claiming to have seized 19 Pakistani posts and two bases. It also alleged that 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed, although these figures remain unverified.
Pakistan rejected the claims and accused the Taliban of initiating “unprovoked fire” across several locations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. According to Islamabad, its security forces responded immediately.
In the early hours of Friday, Pakistan launched air raids on Afghan territory, striking targets in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktika. Officials described the operation as a response to cross-border aggression. The affected cities lie near the 2,600-kilometre mountainous frontier shared by the two countries.
Military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said 22 Afghan military targets were hit and more than 200 Taliban fighters were killed. He added that at least 12 Pakistani soldiers had died.
However, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid disputed those figures, stating that 13 Taliban fighters were killed and 22 injured. He also claimed that 13 civilians were wounded, with an unspecified number killed. None of these casualty reports have been independently confirmed.
Drone claims and regional fallout
The Taliban later said it conducted airstrikes inside Pakistan using drones launched from Afghan territory. Pakistan’s Information Minister Atta Tarar said Afghan drones targeting Swabi, Nowshera and Abbottabad were intercepted. Abbottabad hosts a key military academy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned that Pakistan’s forces were fully prepared to counter any aggression and vowed there would be “no compromise” in defending the country.
Afghan officials also alleged that Pakistani rockets struck a refugee camp in Nangarhar province, injuring at least nine people. These reports have not been verified.
Despite the intensity of the clashes, local sources in affected Afghan cities indicated that the situation had stabilized by Friday, although both sides remain on high alert.
Diplomatic efforts under way
Amid rising tensions, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held talks with Hakan Fidan and Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, stressing the importance of peace and continued engagement.
Iran has also offered to facilitate dialogue between Islamabad and Kabul, urging both nations to resolve their differences through negotiation.
The latest escalation follows months of intermittent clashes despite a fragile ceasefire agreed in October. Earlier negotiations failed to secure a comprehensive peace arrangement, with both sides accusing each other of lacking commitment.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan’s Taliban government of backing anti-Pakistan militant groups responsible for attacks inside its territory, including suicide bombings in the capital. Kabul has consistently denied those allegations.
About the author
France urges citizens to leave Mali fast
France has called on its nationals to leave Mali without delay following a surge in coordinated attacks involving separatist fighters and Islamist militants. In an updated advisory, the French government warned that the security situation has become “extremely volatile” and urged citizens to avoid all travel to the country. Those still in Mali have been advised to depart using available commercial flights while limiting movement and following local authorities’ instructions. The warning comes after a wave of violence over the weekend, with explosions and gunfire reported in several areas, including the capital, Bamako. In the town of Kati, Defence Minister Sadio Camara was reportedly killed in a suicide attack, while in the north, separatist forces seized control of Kidal. Despite the escalation, Mali’s military leader Assimi Goïta stated that the situation remains under control. He said the army had inflicted […]
US court limits race use in voting maps
The US Supreme Court has issued a major ruling that limits how lawmakers can use race when drawing electoral districts, a decision likely to influence political dynamics across the southern United States. In a 6–3 judgment, the court’s conservative majority backed a legal challenge against newly drawn voting maps in Louisiana. These maps had been created to comply with protections under the Voting Rights Act, which aims to prevent racial discrimination in elections. Writing for the majority, Justice Samuel Alito argued that past interpretations of the law had, in some cases, pushed states toward race-based decisions that conflict with constitutional principles. The plaintiffs—primarily white voters—contended that factoring race into district boundaries violated equal protection guarantees. While the court stopped short of declaring the Voting Rights Act provision unconstitutional, it introduced a stricter standard for future cases. Individuals challenging electoral maps […]
King Charles visit tests UK-US ties
The official visit of King Charles III to the United States delivered polished speeches, warm gestures and carefully staged ceremonies. But beyond the symbolism, a key question remains: will this diplomatic moment lead to tangible political progress? Ahead of the visit, British officials were realistic about its limits. Deep disagreements between London and Washington—ranging from trade and NATO commitments to Ukraine and Iran—were not expected to disappear overnight. Tensions had also been fuelled by past remarks from Donald Trump directed at UK leadership. Rather than aiming for a reset, diplomats saw the visit as an opportunity to ease tensions and improve dialogue. Former UK ambassador David Manning described the King as a “stabilising force” capable of creating space for renewed engagement on complex issues. Through carefully crafted speeches, King Charles struck a tone of respect and unity. He praised American […]
Russia scales back Victory Day parade in Moscow
Russia has decided to scale down its annual Victory Day parade scheduled for 9 May in Moscow, citing heightened security concerns linked to what officials describe as threats from Ukraine. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, authorities are implementing strict measures to reduce potential risks. Despite the changes, the ceremony will still take place at Red Square, a symbolic location for the commemoration. Russia’s defence ministry confirmed that this year’s parade will not include heavy military equipment or cadets from traditional military academies. Instead, the event will feature personnel from various branches of the armed forces along with an aerial display. The adjustments reflect what officials describe as the current operational environment. The decision comes as Ukraine has stepped up strikes deep inside Russian territory, more than four years into the ongoing conflict. Kyiv maintains that its actions target military […]
Assurance : concours IIA ouvert aux Togolais
Le secteur de l’assurance en zone Conférence Interafricaine des Marchés d’Assurance (CIMA) ouvre à nouveau ses portes aux candidats togolais. L’Institut International des Assurances (IIA), basé à Yaoundé, lance le concours d’entrée de la 4ᵉ promotion (2026-2028) du Master professionnel en assurance (MPA), avec des inscriptions accessibles dans les États membres, dont le Togo. Ce concours vise à former des cadres spécialisés capables d’évoluer dans différents segments du secteur, notamment la souscription, la gestion des sinistres, l’actuariat, la finance, la conformité et le management des compagnies d’assurances. Ces profils restent fortement demandés sur plusieurs marchés africains. Le programme de formation couvre un large éventail de disciplines, incluant le droit, l’économie, les techniques d’assurance, les mathématiques financières, les statistiques, la comptabilité ainsi que la culture générale. Il est conçu pour répondre aux exigences des marchés régulés par la CIMA. Pour être […]
Togo : PRIMA accélère les investissements agricoles
Le Togo accélère la mise en œuvre du Programme régional d’intégration des marchés agricoles (PRIMA), avec l’appui du Fonds international de développement agricole (FIDA). Une mission technique de l’institution a récemment séjourné dans le pays afin de renforcer les capacités opérationnelles de l’équipe nationale et d’améliorer le rythme d’exécution du plan de travail 2026. Pour cette année, le programme prévoit plusieurs investissements structurants, notamment dans les Zones d’aménagement agricole planifiées (ZAAP), les infrastructures hydrauliques, les dispositifs de stockage et de commercialisation, ainsi que les études pour la réhabilitation de pistes rurales et l’aménagement de bas-fonds. Ces interventions visent à réduire les pertes post-récolte, améliorer l’accès à l’eau, faciliter l’acheminement des productions et accroître la productivité agricole. Dans ce cadre, une mission de terrain a été conduite sur un site de ZAAP à Agbatitoè, dans la préfecture de Haho, afin d’évaluer […]
Related
Iran defies Trump’s blockade as oil prices soar
Iran has vowed to resist a prolonged United States naval blockade and keep its economy functioning, even as global oil prices surge to multi year highs. The warning comes after President Donald Trump signalled that the US led operation to restrict shipping to and from Iranian ports could last for months. Iranian officials say the blockade will fail and have accused Washington of waging economic warfare and collective punishment against the country. Tehran says it is finding alternative routes and partners to sell its crude, including ship to ship transfers and deals that avoid dollar payments. Oil markets have reacted nervously to the standoff. Brent crude has climbed well above 110 dollars a barrel, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate has traded above 100 dollars, levels last seen several years ago. Analysts say prices have been driven higher by the […]
France urges citizens to leave Mali fast
France has called on its nationals to leave Mali without delay following a surge in coordinated attacks involving separatist fighters and Islamist militants. In an updated advisory, the French government warned that the security situation has become “extremely volatile” and urged citizens to avoid all travel to the country. Those still in Mali have been advised to depart using available commercial flights while limiting movement and following local authorities’ instructions. The warning comes after a wave of violence over the weekend, with explosions and gunfire reported in several areas, including the capital, Bamako. In the town of Kati, Defence Minister Sadio Camara was reportedly killed in a suicide attack, while in the north, separatist forces seized control of Kidal. Despite the escalation, Mali’s military leader Assimi Goïta stated that the situation remains under control. He said the army had inflicted […]
US court limits race use in voting maps
The US Supreme Court has issued a major ruling that limits how lawmakers can use race when drawing electoral districts, a decision likely to influence political dynamics across the southern United States. In a 6–3 judgment, the court’s conservative majority backed a legal challenge against newly drawn voting maps in Louisiana. These maps had been created to comply with protections under the Voting Rights Act, which aims to prevent racial discrimination in elections. Writing for the majority, Justice Samuel Alito argued that past interpretations of the law had, in some cases, pushed states toward race-based decisions that conflict with constitutional principles. The plaintiffs—primarily white voters—contended that factoring race into district boundaries violated equal protection guarantees. While the court stopped short of declaring the Voting Rights Act provision unconstitutional, it introduced a stricter standard for future cases. Individuals challenging electoral maps […]
King Charles visit tests UK-US ties
The official visit of King Charles III to the United States delivered polished speeches, warm gestures and carefully staged ceremonies. But beyond the symbolism, a key question remains: will this diplomatic moment lead to tangible political progress? Ahead of the visit, British officials were realistic about its limits. Deep disagreements between London and Washington—ranging from trade and NATO commitments to Ukraine and Iran—were not expected to disappear overnight. Tensions had also been fuelled by past remarks from Donald Trump directed at UK leadership. Rather than aiming for a reset, diplomats saw the visit as an opportunity to ease tensions and improve dialogue. Former UK ambassador David Manning described the King as a “stabilising force” capable of creating space for renewed engagement on complex issues. Through carefully crafted speeches, King Charles struck a tone of respect and unity. He praised American […]
Russia scales back Victory Day parade in Moscow
Russia has decided to scale down its annual Victory Day parade scheduled for 9 May in Moscow, citing heightened security concerns linked to what officials describe as threats from Ukraine. According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, authorities are implementing strict measures to reduce potential risks. Despite the changes, the ceremony will still take place at Red Square, a symbolic location for the commemoration. Russia’s defence ministry confirmed that this year’s parade will not include heavy military equipment or cadets from traditional military academies. Instead, the event will feature personnel from various branches of the armed forces along with an aerial display. The adjustments reflect what officials describe as the current operational environment. The decision comes as Ukraine has stepped up strikes deep inside Russian territory, more than four years into the ongoing conflict. Kyiv maintains that its actions target military […]
Trump to feature his picture in new US passports
The United States will begin issuing a limited number of new passports that include a picture of President Donald Trump inside the booklet, officials have confirmed. The design is part of a special edition created to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence in July. According to the State Department, the commemorative passports will show Trump’s official portrait on an inside page alongside imagery of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. His signature will also appear in gold under the image as part of the America250 branding. Officials say between 25,000 and 30,000 of the special passports will be printed. They will be available to eligible US citizens who apply through the passport office in Washington DC once distribution begins ahead of the July 4 celebrations. The move makes Trump the first sitting US president to […]