Pakistan, Afghanistan in 'open war' after latest strikes: Pakistani defense minister

Pakistan and Afghanistan are in "open war" after the latest strikes between the two countries, Pakistan's defense minister says.

The two nations traded attacks Thursday, escalating tensions, after border clashes occurred in October, The according to the Associated Press.

Afghanistan launched a cross-border attack on Pakistan late Thursday, saying it was in retaliation for deadly Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan border areas Sunday. Then, early Friday, Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul and two other Afghan provinces.

"Pakistan made every effort to keep the situation normal through direct means and through friendly countries," Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif posted on X after the Friday strikes. "It engaged in full-fledged diplomacy. But the Taliban became a proxy for India. Today, when attempts are being made to target Pakistan with aggression, Alhamdulillah, our forces are giving a decisive response at this time.

"In the past, Pakistan's role has been positive. It has hosted 5 million Afghans for 50 years. Even today, millions of Afghans are earning their livelihood on our soil. Our cup of patience has overflowed. Now it is open war between us and you."

Asif's post came hours after Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar in the south, and Paktia province in the southeast, according to Pakistani officials and Afghanistan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid.