Pakistan announced what it described as an “open war” with the Taliban in Afghanistan following a sharp military escalation.

A military spokesperson confirmed that 22 locations were targeted by fighter jets, with casualties reported on both sides.

The strikes hit areas including Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia province.

The Taliban said it had retaliated with attacks on Pakistani installations.

The escalation follows mutual accusations of harboring militants, raising fears of an unprecedented deterioration in relations between the two neighbors.