Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated the country is in an "open war" with Afghanistan, following Islamabad's airstrikes on Kabul and other targets. "Our patience has now run out," Asif said after the attacks.

The strikes came after the Afghan Taliban announced a major offensive against Pakistani military posts near the border. The Taliban claimed to have captured 19 posts and two bases, killing 55 Pakistani soldiers—claims Pakistan denies.

Pakistan retaliated with bombing raids on Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktika. Military spokesman Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said 22 Afghan targets were hit, over 200 Taliban fighters killed, and 12 Pakistani soldiers died. The Taliban reported only 13 fighters killed.

The Afghan Taliban launched drone strikes into Pakistan, while Pakistan said it thwarted attacks on Swabi, Nowshera, and Abbottabad.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed Pakistan has "the full capability to crush any aggressive ambitions." In Afghanistan, Taliban officials said Pakistani rockets hit a refugee camp, injuring at least nine.

Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia offered mediation. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper urged both sides to re-engage in talks and de-escalate.

A fragile ceasefire agreed in October has broken down. Pakistan accuses the Taliban government of supporting "anti-Pakistan terrorists."

Source: www.bbc.com