Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged cross-border airstrikes overnight, sharply escalating tensions, with Pakistan’s defense minister declaring the situation an “open war.”

Afghanistan said its attack on Pakistani military targets was retaliation for earlier Pakistani airstrikes in Afghan border areas, while Pakistan responded with strikes in Kabul and other provinces.

Relations have been strained for months, with prior border clashes and failed peace talks despite a Qatari-mediated ceasefire in October.

Pakistan accuses Afghanistan’s Taliban government of harboring militants and aligning with India, a claim Kabul denies, the Canadian Press has reported.

Qatar is again attempting to mediate as fears grow of a broader regional conflict involving nuclear-armed Pakistan and its rival India.