Afghanistan and Pakistan enter a new phase of war: missile strikes and bloody battles on the border
Tensions between Kabul and Islamabad have moved into an active phase: air strikes and artillery have been heard along the Durand Line, and soldiers on both sides have been killed, the newspaper reports. Haqqin.az
The beginning of the escalation
Fierce fighting is taking place in the border regions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Afghan Air Force has carried out a series of strikes on Pakistani military targets, after which the Pakistani army opened artillery and missile fire in response.
It is reported that at least two Pakistani army bases and several strongholds on the Durand Line were destroyed. The Afghan side claims that this is a response to the recent shelling of its territories.
Who is behind the conflict
According to local sources, the following are involved in the fighting Regular forces of both countries, and armed groups operating outside official control.
Analysts note that The escalation was the result of a long-standing border confrontation, The issue has been simmering for years due to disputes over the Durand Line, a historical border that Pakistan recognises but Afghanistan still considers unjust.
Scale of damage and losses
In the middle of the night, Afghan aviation carried out powerful strikes on the border area, including in the direction of Lahore. The explosions were heard tens of kilometres away.
Pakistan responded by moving its armoured units and air defence systems to the east.
According to preliminary data, several dozens of soldiers were killed or wounded, Equipment, communication lines and ammunition depots were damaged.
Political reaction
Urgent government meetings were held in both capitals - Kabul and Islamabad. Afghan officials accuse Pakistan of «armed aggression», while Islamabad calls its neighbour's actions «terrorist provocations».
The international community is calling on the parties to exercise restraint. However. None of them demonstrates a willingness to negotiate.
The threat of a major war
The situation is rapidly spiralling out of control. Military analysts do not rule out that escalation may escalate into an open interstate conflict, The situation is not going to change, especially if the parties continue to use air power.
Additional tension is created by the fact that Pakistan has nuclear weapons, and Afghanistan has a large number of experienced fighters.
If the conflict is not stopped in the coming days, it could turn into The most dangerous clash in South Asia in the last decade.
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