Islamabad, Pakistan. Pakistan’s military said it carried out air strikes on 22 Afghan military targets, killing 274 Taliban officials and militants after fighting broke out overnight on Thursday. It also reported 12 Pakistani soldiers were killed in the clashes.
Military statement and reported casualties
Military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry told reporters on Friday that Pakistani air strikes hit 22 Afghan military targets and said 274 Taliban officials and militants had been killed since the fighting began overnight on Thursday. Chaudhry said 12 Pakistani soldiers were killed in the clashes.
Escalation in hostilities
The announcement followed an escalation between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Pakistan bombing Taliban-controlled cities including Kabul and Kandahar overnight. Pakistan’s defence minister described the situation as “open war.”
What impact do you think the escalation will have on relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan?