New Delhi (India) February 27:Pakistan launched early Friday air strikes against Afghan capital Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia. The attacks focused on Taliban military installations as Islamabad declared “open war” on the group’s government, in the most serious military confrontation between the two neighbours in years. The attacks occurred hours after Afghan forces unleashed coordinated cross-border attacks on Pakistani military positions in six border provinces late on Thursday. 

Sharif Vows Zero Tolerance, Backs Army Chief Munir

Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif has visited the army’s General Headquarters and received briefings from military leadership on the situation in Afghanistan, the Prime Minister’s Office says. Sharif said there should be “zero tolerance” over the malicious actions of the Fitna al-Khawarij and Afghan Taliban regime, in a statement.
“Under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, the Pakistan Armed Forces are always ready to protect the country,” Sharif said.

12 Pakistani Soldiers Killed in Border Clashes

Pakistan’s military spokesperson said that at least 12 Pakistani soldiers have been killed in the war with Afghanistan. Casualties were reported amid continuing fighting along the border after further military operations that have been intensified. The announcement is one of the biggest losses acknowledged by Pakistan to date. 

274 Taliban Militants Dead in Counterstrikes

Two hundred seventy-four Taliban-linked officials and militants have been killed since Thursday night, the Pakistan military spokesperson also said. The statement is part of a counter-attack against cross-border threats, Islamabad said, adding that it had targeted and justified its military actions. 

Nationwide Drone Ban Amid Security Crisis

Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior has imposed an immediate ban on the outdoor flying of quadcopters, drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) across the country. The government justified the prohibition in a statement saying that the prevailing security environment allowed for the ban. The order is effective nationwide immediately and will remain in place until further directives are issued. Strict enforcement of the directive has also been advised by all provincial governments and chief secretaries. 

Iran Offers Mediation as Tensions Soar

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi urged that Afghanistan and Pakistan resolve their escalating disputes via dialogue and neighborly relations, pledging Tehran's full mediation support.
In a post on social media platform X, he pointed to Ramadan's principles of moderation and Islamic brotherhood as a perfect time to quell tensions, adding it is "fitting" that both countries should put talks before conflicts.