CRITICALThe Guardian InternationalAI REVIEWED2026-03-04 07:41
Fact-check: X searches revealed multiple recent posts (March 4, 2026) reporting Pakistan's airstrikes on Kabul and Kandahar, the defense minister's 'open war' declaration, and retaliatory context, consistent with the article's claims. Web searches confirmed coverage from The Guardian and other outlets matching the details exactly, with no contradictions. The event aligns with ongoing South Asia border conflicts.
Pakistan declares state of ‘open war’ after bombing major Afghan cities
pakistanafghanistankabulkandahartalibanmilitary-strikessouth-asiaarmed-conflict
Pakistan has bombed major Afghan cities including Kabul and Kandahar, with Islamabad's defence minister declaring the two countries are in a state of 'open war.' The strikes came as part of an escalating cycle of retaliatory attacks after Taliban forces attacked Pakistani border troops following earlier action from Islamabad. Witnesses reported explosions and jets overhead through the night, while the Taliban government confirmed Pakistani surveillance aircraft continued flying over Afghanistan.