Pakistan launched strikes on targets in major Afghan cities overnight, according to officials from both sides, amid heightened tensions between the two countries.

Pakistani officials stated the strikes were in response to "unprovoked Afghan attacks," while the Taliban described them as retaliation for earlier Pakistani strikes.

Security sources indicated the attacks included air and ground strikes on Taliban posts, bases, and ammunition depots in multiple border sectors. Both sides reported significant casualties, but figures differ sharply.

These strikes mark the most serious escalation in recent months between the neighbors, threatening a ceasefire agreement along the 2,600-km border. The incident also deepens a long-standing dispute over Islamabad's accusations that the Taliban harbors Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, which the Taliban denies.

Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif declared, "Our cup of patience is full. Now an open war has started between us." President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized, "Pakistan will not compromise on peace and territorial integrity."

Source: www.gazeta.uz