The airstrikes were part of operation “Ghazab Lil Haq” (Wrath for the Truth), launched by Pakistan following cross-border attacks by Taliban forces on Thursday. Afghanistan and Regional Command East later confirmed that “intense fighting” had taken place along the 2,600-kilometer border with Pakistan.

Pakistan’s defense minister Khawaja Asif said that Pakistan had run out of patience and now considers itself in an open war with Afghanistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, declaring that there will be no compromise on the defence of the homeland amid heightened regional tensions.

Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said on X on Thursday that Afghan forces carried out attacks on Pakistani military facilities in border areas and seized 15 outposts during the operations.