Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan rose sharply on Friday after Pakistan carried out airstrikes on Kabul and other Afghan cities. The strikes followed earlier attacks by Afghan forces on Pakistani military positions along their shared border.

According to Al Jazeera, the first bombing in Kabul began at 1:50 am local time. Soon after, a second air raid took place. Afghan anti-aircraft guns responded immediately. They opened fire after the first strike and continued firing during the second attack.

A source close to the Afghan government confirmed to Al Jazeera that an airstrike hit Kabul. Pakistani warplanes also targeted a military base in Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan.

The strikes happened only hours after Afghanistan launched a cross-border attack into Pakistan. This fresh round of violence has increased fears that the Qatar-mediated ceasefire between the two countries may collapse.

Explosions Reported in Kabul

Reports said at least three explosions were heard in Kabul. However, officials did not immediately confirm the exact locations of the strikes. There was also no clear information about casualties.

Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistan also carried out airstrikes in Kandahar in the south and in Paktia province in the southeast.

Pakistan Claims Military Targets Hit

Two senior Pakistani security officials told The Associated Press that Pakistan’s military targeted Afghan military facilities in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. They claimed the strikes destroyed two brigade bases.

Pakistan maintained that its operation aimed at specific military sites.

Afghanistan Responds With Retaliation Claim

Afghanistan said it had launched a cross-border attack into Pakistan late Thursday. Officials described it as retaliation for deadly Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan border areas last Sunday.

Afghan authorities also claimed they had captured more than a dozen Pakistani army posts during their operation.

Conflicting Narratives From Both Sides

Meanwhile, Pakistan gave a different version of events. The Pakistani government said last Sunday’s airstrikes targeted militants hiding in border regions. It described Thursday’s Afghan attack as unprovoked. Islamabad also rejected Afghanistan’s claim that Pakistani army posts had been captured.

As both countries trade accusations, the situation along the border remains tense. The recent escalation has further weakened hopes for stability under the Qatar-brokered ceasefire.