Afghan authorities reported that Pakistani military jets attempted to bomb Bagram airbase, the former U.S. military facility north of Kabul, but Afghan forces successfully repelled the attack using anti-aircraft and missile defense systems. This incident occurred on the fourth day of escalating cross-border fighting between the two nations, marked by ground clashes and aerial assaults.

Pakistan has declared it is in "open war" with Afghanistan, while Afghanistan initiated its border offensive in response to what it claims were earlier Pakistani airstrikes that killed civilians. Diplomatic efforts, including mediation by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, have so far failed to secure a ceasefire, highlighting the intractability of the conflict.

The fighting has alarmed the international community, particularly as the region remains a hotspot for militant groups such as al-Qaida and Islamic State, which are attempting to resurge. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of failing to act against militants carrying out attacks on Pakistani soil, an allegation the Taliban government has rejected.

Sporadic clashes continued in Afghanistan's Khost and Nangarhar provinces, with overnight fighting reported at the Torkham border crossing. Taliban deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat stated that Pakistani fire had killed 36 civilians across multiple provinces, a claim Pakistan has not addressed.

Analysts noted that this week's escalation marks the first time Pakistan has focused airstrikes on Afghan government facilities, a significant shift from previous operations purportedly targeting militants. Casualty figures from both sides—including Pakistan's claim of 415 Afghan soldiers killed and Afghanistan's counterclaim of over 80 Pakistani soldiers killed—remain unverified independently.

Source: www.theguardian.com