February 27, New Delhi – Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that there is now an "open war" between Pakistan and Afghanistan, following months of tit-for-tat clashes.
Pakistan bombed Afghan cities, including the capital Kabul, on Friday, hours after Afghan forces attacked Pakistani troops, in retaliation for earlier Pakistani air strikes, according to the Taliban.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated sharply, following cross-border airstrikes and military exchanges along the Durand Line, which is the de facto border between the two countries.
The Afghan Ministry of Defence said that eight Afghan soldiers were killed in the clash, and many civilians were injured, near the Torkham crossing, at a refugee camp for those who have returned from Pakistan.
The Taliban confirmed the Pakistani air strikes, but its spokesperson denied any casualties.