National Security & Geopolitics

Pakistan has launched large‑scale airstrikes on Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia and other border provinces and formally declared “open war” with the Afghan Taliban after months of deteriorating ties and cross‑border clashes, with Islamabad saying it hit Taliban targets including ammunition depots. Afghan and Pakistani officials give sharply conflicting casualty and damage counts—Taliban claim capture of Pakistani posts and dozens killed while Pakistan says it killed hundreds of fighters—and the fighting, which the UN says earlier strikes killed at least 13 civilians, has wounded refugees near the Torkham crossing, closed border points and fueled speculation about possible U.S. backing and wider regional fallout tied to India‑Pakistan tensions.