Nuclear-armed Pakistan has made an open declaration of war against former ally Afghanistan, its western neighbor that has resisted NATO occupation for years, and has sought to drag its archrival India into an escalating conflict.
Islamabad said the latest escalation of violence between the estranged neighbors was triggered after Afghan Taliban forces opened fire on its border positions late Thursday, killing two Pakistani soldiers and wounding three others.
During the NATO occupation of its western neighbor, Pakistan had a complex relationship with Afghanistan, serving as a vital logistics hub for Western forces while simultaneously providing sanctuary and support to the Taliban insurgency. Ties strained after the Taliban took over and Islamabad alleged Kabul was harboring Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
What is the balance of power between Pakistan and Afghanistan?
Militarily, Pakistan has an overwhelming superiority over war-ravaged Afghanistan. According to an NDTV report, Pakistan’s armed forces have 660,000 active personnel. This includes 560,000 army personnel, 70,000 in the air force, and 30,000 naval staff.
The same source says Afghanistan’s Taliban administration has an estimated 172,000 fighters.
Open war, hidden hostilities
Pakistan’s defense minister has termed the situation an open war. Media reports said multiple explosions have rocked the Afghan capital, Kabul, and at least three other provinces.
Khawaja Asif has also tried to drag India into the escalating hostilities, saying the Taliban regime has converted Afghanistan into a colony of New Delhi. India has in the past rejected similar allegations as unfounded and baseless and is yet to respond to the latest charge.
Unconfirmed reports have indicated that some Pakistani fighter jets are still patrolling inside Afghan airspace. Media outlets have reported shelling from both sides at the key Torkham crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Have casualties been reported in Pakistan and Afghanistan?
Islamabad launched Operation Ghazab Lil Haq (‘Wrath of Justice’) early on Friday. Residents in Kabul have told media outlets they heard multiple explosions. The exact locations of the blasts are not known.
Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has alleged that Pakistani forces carried out airstrikes in Kandahar and in the southeastern province of Paktia, the Associated Press reported.
The ruling Taliban initially said there were no casualties and has vowed to respond militarily to Pakistan’s strikes, its spokesperson was quoted as saying by Al Arabiya.
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