Kabul, February 27 — Several countries and international bodies on Friday urged restraint and an immediate ceasefire after renewed cross-border fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan along the Durand Line.
Overnight airstrikes by both sides inflicted heavy damage to military installations and civilian infrastructure and caused casualties on both sides of the border. Afghanistan’s Ministry of National Defence said its air force carried out coordinated strikes on Pakistani military targets in response to what it described as Pakistani aerial incursions into Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia.
In a post on X, the ministry said that at about 11:00 a.m. local time its aircraft struck a military camp near Faizabad in Islamabad, a base in Nowshera, military positions in Jamrud and other locations in Abbottabad. The ministry said the operation targeted Pakistani military bases, command centres and strategic facilities and was launched in response to incursions the previous night.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was following events closely. His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, urged all parties to abide by international law, protect civilians and pursue diplomatic channels to resolve differences, and welcomed recent mediation efforts by several member states.
China expressed deep concern, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning calling for an immediate ceasefire. Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova also urged both sides to halt hostilities and return to political and diplomatic talks.
Regional diplomatic contacts continued. The Saudi Press Agency reported that Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud took a phone call from Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to discuss the situation and ways to reduce tensions while safeguarding security and stability.
The exchanges represent a sharp escalation in tensions between the two neighbours and have raised fears of a wider confrontation. International actors pressed for urgent de-escalation and renewed dialogue to prevent further civilian harm and stabilize the border region.
This report is based on syndicated agency material published as received.
