Pakistan and Afghanistan traded attacks in a dramatic escalation of tensions between the countries that Pakistan's defense minister said Friday means they are now in "open war."

Pakistan and Afghanistan traded attacks in a dramatic escalation of tensions between the countries that Pakistan's defense minister said Friday means they are now in "open war."

Explosions were reported in Kabul after Afghan forces launched a border offensive late Thursday. Fresh clashes are also being reported near the key Torkham border crossing. DW has the latest.

Pakistan bombed Taliban government forces in major Afghan cities after Afghanistan's forces launched an offensive. Several countries have offered to mediate a diplomatic end to the fighting.

Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Pakistan conducted airstrikes in areas of Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia overnight, officials from both countries said, as Islamabad's defense minister early Friday declared Pakistan was in "open war" with Afghanistan.

In a post on X, Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif said Pakistan had hoped for peace in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of NATO forces and expected the Taliban to focus on the welfare of the Afghan people and regional stability..."

Pakistan's defence minister has declared 'open war' on Afghanistan, as the military launched a volley of airstrikes in response to a Taliban attack on the border.