Overview
- Pakistan said its air and ground campaign is ongoing after striking targets in Kabul, Kandahar and other areas, with officials reporting 37 sites hit since Friday.
- Islamabad framed the escalation as counterterror operations against militants based in Afghanistan, while the Taliban accused Pakistan of repeated border violations and said it carried out retaliatory attacks, including drone strikes.
- Casualty figures remain unverified, with Pakistan reporting at least 331 Afghan Taliban and allied fighters killed and 500 wounded, and acknowledging 12 Pakistani soldiers dead, while Afghan officials claim 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed.
- Taliban leaders signaled openness to negotiations, stating they prefer dialogue to resolve disputes, as Pakistan warned any new attacks would draw a "measured, decisive and befitting" response.
- The United States voiced support for Pakistan’s right to self‑defense and the UN, China, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran urged restraint or offered mediation, as Afghan officials reported civilian deaths and aid groups warned of mounting humanitarian risks.