Pakistan launches airstrikes inside Afghanistan and declares open war on the Taliban government

Pakistan carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan, including on the capital city of Kabul. The strikes targeted ammunition depots and Taliban headquarters. Pakistan's defense minister described the situation as an 'open war' with Afghanistan's Taliban government.

Pakistani officials, including President Zardari and minister Attaullah Tarar, said the military action was in self-defense. They accused the Afghan Taliban of harboring terrorists who have carried out attacks in Pakistan. The Pakistani military said its 'Operation Ghazab Lil Haq' killed hundreds of Taliban fighters.

The Afghan Taliban said the strikes killed civilians and Afghan forces. They shot down a Pakistani jet and captured its pilot. The United Nations expressed concern about the cross-border clashes and urged restraint. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation were reported to be intensifying.