KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) – Afghan military authorities have launched military operations against Pakistan as a retaliation for airstrikes conducted by Pakistani forces just days earlier. The conflict escalated following a series of violent exchanges along the border between the two nations, particularly affecting the eastern provinces of Nangarhar and Paktia.

A statement from the Afghan military's media office indicated that "heavy clashes" commenced on Thursday night in direct response to the airstrikes initiated by Pakistan. The Afghanistan military did not provide detailed casualty figures or specific locations, and there was no immediate confirmation from the Pakistani side regarding the developments.

On Sunday, the Pakistani military reported conducting airstrikes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, claiming that they had successfully killed at least 70 militants. However, this assertion has been contested by Afghan authorities, who stated that the operations resulted in civilian casualties amounting to dozens, including women and children, raising concerns over the impact of military actions on non-combatants.

The recent hostilities form a part of the ongoing strain in relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, particularly concerning border security and the actions of militant groups. Both nations have long accused each other of harboring and supporting insurgents that operate across their shared border, which further complicates the security situation in the region.

As the situation develops, the international community is closely monitoring the unfolding events, with potential implications for regional stability. The escalation of military actions raises urgent questions about the safety of civilians and the potential for more extensive conflict between the two governments.