Pakistan has claimed that 331 Afghan Taliban soldiers have been killed so far in the ongoing conflict between the two countries. Information Minister Ataullah Tarar shared the figures on social media platform X on Saturday, according to a report by Dawn. He added that more than 500 Taliban fighters were injured, while Pakistani forces destroyed 104 Taliban checkpoints, 163 tanks and armored vehicles, and captured 22 additional posts.

In response, the Taliban government has called on Pakistan to engage in dialogue to resolve the escalating situation. The appeal came after Pakistan publicly declared war against Afghanistan. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Afghanistan has always sought to resolve issues through discussion and remains committed to a peaceful solution.

The exchange of claims and calls for negotiation highlights the growing tension between the neighboring countries as both sides assert their positions in the conflict.

More than 15 countries have instructed their citizens to leave Iran as tensions escalate between Tehran and Washington. The move follows warnings of possible US military action against Iran, raising fears of a wider conflict. On Friday, US President Donald Trump said he was dissatisfied with the outcome of talks on Iran’s nuclear program, according to Gulf News.

The indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran ended without significant progress. Following this, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Italy, Australia, India, China, and several other European and Asian nations issued travel advisories. These advisories urged citizens to avoid traveling to Iran and for those currently there to depart as soon as possible.

Diplomats cited ongoing disagreements over uranium enrichment, inspection procedures, and the future of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. Meanwhile, the United States has increased its military presence in the Middle East, deploying additional aircraft carriers, warships, and strike aircraft to the region.

The Taliban government of Afghanistan has called on Pakistan to engage in dialogue to resolve ongoing tensions between the two countries. The appeal came after Pakistan publicly declared war against Afghanistan. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Afghanistan has always sought to resolve issues through discussion and remains committed to a peaceful solution.

Despite a ceasefire agreement reached in October, cross-border attacks resumed on Thursday night, escalating into heavy exchanges between the neighboring nations. Pakistan accused Afghanistan of opening fire along the border. According to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s spokesperson, Musharraf Zaidi, Pakistan’s operations have killed 297 Afghan personnel and injured more than 450, destroying 89 military posts and 135 armored vehicles across 29 locations.

In response, an Afghan Taliban spokesperson claimed that their forces killed 55 Pakistani soldiers and damaged 19 Pakistani military posts. The situation marks a sharp deterioration in relations between the two countries, with both sides reporting significant losses.

Afghanistan carried out attacks on several Pakistani army camps on Friday, according to the Afghan Ministry of Defense. The strikes took place around 11 a.m. local time and targeted multiple military sites inside Pakistan. The ministry reported that drone strikes were conducted on a military camp near Islamabad’s Faizabad, a headquarters in Nowshera, and additional locations in Jamrud and Abbottabad. The operation was described as successfully executed.

Afghan Army Chief Fasihuddin Fitrat stated that any attack from Pakistan would face a strong response. He pledged to safeguard Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and warned that if further attacks occur, major Pakistani cities, including Islamabad, would be targeted. Fitrat assured the Afghan people that all acts of aggression would be answered.

Reports citing sources indicated that tanks and both light and heavy weapons have been prepared for any potential conflict between the two neighboring countries.

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that the United States will not intervene in the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He made the remarks when asked about the possibility of Washington mediating or taking part in efforts to end the hostilities. Trump emphasized that he maintains a very good relationship with Pakistan, describing its prime minister and military chief as individuals he respects.

According to a spokesperson for Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s military operations have resulted in the deaths of 297 Afghan soldiers. The spokesperson also reported that 89 Afghan military posts and 135 tanks and armored vehicles were destroyed in attacks carried out across 29 locations in Afghanistan.

Several countries have called on both Pakistan and Afghanistan to end the conflict, though no details were provided about specific diplomatic initiatives or responses from either side.

The United States has expressed support for Pakistan’s right to self-defense against attacks by the Taliban. In a statement issued on Friday, the U.S. State Department said it recognizes Pakistan’s right to defend itself from Taliban aggression. A spokesperson confirmed the position in an emailed statement, while U.S. diplomat Allison Hooker stated on X that she had spoken with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Aamna Baloch regarding the situation. Washington also conveyed sympathy over the ongoing clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Amid the escalating conflict, Iran urged both neighboring countries to exercise restraint. In a statement released on Friday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to respect each other’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty. Tehran also advised both sides to avoid actions that could further increase regional tension and conflict.

The statements from Washington and Tehran highlight growing international concern over the deteriorating security situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and its potential impact on regional stability.

Iran has called on neighboring Pakistan and Afghanistan to exercise restraint amid ongoing hostilities between the two countries. In a statement issued on Friday, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged both sides to respect each other’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty. The ministry also advised against any actions that could further escalate regional tensions or conflict.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in a post on social media platform X that Tehran is ready to provide any necessary assistance to advance dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He added that Iran seeks to play a role in promoting understanding and cooperation between the two nations.

The appeal comes as regional tensions remain high, with Iran positioning itself as a potential mediator to prevent further instability along its eastern borders.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire to end the ongoing violence between Pakistan and Afghanistan. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said on Friday that the Secretary-General expressed deep concern over the rising hostilities between the two neighboring countries, emphasizing that the conflict is directly affecting civilians.

According to the statement, Guterres stressed the urgent need to implement a ceasefire and to resolve differences through diplomatic dialogue. The appeal comes as tensions continue to escalate, with reports of cross-border violence impacting communities along the frontier.

The UN chief’s call highlights the organization’s concern over regional stability and humanitarian consequences, urging both sides to prioritize peace and civilian protection.

Pakistan has claimed that its military operations resulted in the deaths of 297 Afghan soldiers. According to a spokesperson for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the operations also destroyed 89 Afghan military posts and 135 tanks and armored vehicles. The attacks reportedly took place across 29 locations in Afghanistan.

The claim was reported by Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera, citing Afghanistan’s Tolo News. Earlier, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had stated that 274 Afghan soldiers were killed, indicating a revised figure in the latest statement. The report did not include any response from Afghan authorities or independent verification of the claims.

The development underscores continuing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, though the source did not specify the timing or broader context of the operations.

Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry announced that 12 soldiers have been killed and 27 others injured in recent military operations. He shared the information during a press conference held in Islamabad on Friday, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

Chaudhry stated that the army continues its operations amid the current security situation and that the injured personnel are receiving medical treatment. The ISPR did not disclose further details about the nature or location of the operations.

The announcement highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by Pakistan’s armed forces, though no additional information on the broader context or timeline of the operations was provided in the briefing.

Tensions have intensified along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border as both sides reported heavy losses following recent clashes. On Thursday, Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that Taliban forces attacked and captured several Pakistani border posts, killing security personnel. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar denied the Taliban’s claims, asserting that Pakistani forces had effectively responded and killed 36 Taliban fighters, while confirming the deaths of two Pakistani soldiers.

The renewed violence follows Pakistan’s February 21 airstrikes in Afghanistan targeting militant hideouts, which Islamabad said killed more than 80 fighters. The Taliban’s interim defense ministry condemned those strikes and warned of a future response. Analysts cited in the report said a full-scale conventional war remains unlikely due to the Taliban’s limited air and logistical capabilities. Experts also noted that the Taliban’s arsenal includes weapons left by former Afghan and foreign forces, but their air power remains weak.

Security analysts observed that the Taliban continue to rely on guerrilla tactics, using light weapons and improvised explosives, while Pakistan maintains a conventional army with superior air capabilities.

The United States has instructed its citizens to leave Israel immediately amid growing fears of a possible Iranian attack. The directive, issued by the US State Department on Friday, also advised against traveling to Israel at this time. Citizens were told to plan their departure while commercial flights remain available, according to The Guardian.

The order follows inconclusive talks between Iran and the United States held in Geneva, Switzerland, where no clear resolution was reached. Washington and Tehran are expected to resume discussions next week. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has deployed two aircraft carriers, a dozen warships, and several dozen fighter jets to the Middle East, raising concerns that a military strike could follow if negotiations fail.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has informed embassy staff that those wishing to leave should do so immediately. The United States has also demanded that Iran completely halt its nuclear activities and dismantle its three main nuclear facilities.

Pakistan’s defense minister has declared a ‘direct war’ against Afghanistan following airstrikes carried out by the Pakistani military in Kabul and two other provinces. The announcement marks a sharp escalation in hostilities between the two neighboring countries.

Afghanistan affairs expert Amin Saikal told BBC’s Newsday program that this represents a very serious development, indicating Islamabad’s intent to punish the Afghan Taliban for allegedly supporting armed groups behind recent attacks in Pakistan. Saikal, founder of the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies at the Australian National University, noted that both sides have long been at odds, but Pakistan’s latest move shows it is striking harder in response to Taliban support for Pakistani militants.

Saikal, author of “Modern Afghanistan,” warned that the rising tension could be disastrous for the Afghan people, who are already struggling with severe economic hardship.

Reports from multiple Afghan provinces indicate that no major clashes occurred overnight along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, though sporadic shelling and gunfire were heard in some areas. BBC correspondent Hefzullah Maruf said that in Kunar province’s border districts of Shultan, Dangam, and Nari, both sides occasionally fired artillery shells at each other. Civilian and Taliban casualties were reported, though exact numbers remain unconfirmed.

In Nangarhar province, no direct fighting was observed, but intermittent gunfire occurred near the Torkham crossing. Refugees were evacuated from a large temporary camp near the border due to fear of renewed conflict. Many families attempting to return to Afghanistan through Torkham reportedly turned back amid the tension. In Khost, Paktia, and Paktika provinces, sources described sporadic exchanges of fire despite the absence of full-scale battles.

Another source claimed that Pakistan carried out an airstrike in Paktika’s Sarobi district, though the Taliban government has not issued any official statement regarding the incident.

China has advised its citizens to leave Iran as security risks in the Middle East escalate. In a social media statement on Friday, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Chinese nationals in Iran to strengthen safety measures and prepare to depart the country as soon as possible. The ministry also advised against traveling to Iran under current conditions. Chinese embassies and consulates in Iran and neighboring countries will assist citizens in relocating via commercial flights or land routes.

Additionally, Chinese citizens in Israel have been instructed to remain on high alert. State broadcaster CCTV reported that they were advised to avoid unnecessary outings and to familiarize themselves with nearby bomb shelters and evacuation routes. On the same day, the United States authorized the withdrawal of non-essential embassy staff from Israel as Washington reinforced its military presence in the region, including the expected arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford near Israel’s coast.

Despite mediation efforts between Iran and the United States through Oman, hopes for easing tensions remain uncertain.