Explosions were reported in Kabul late Thursday after Afghan forces launched what officials described as a border offensive, escalating tensions with neighboring Pakistan. Fresh clashes were also reported near the key Torkham border crossing, a vital transit point between the two countries.

Pakistani authorities said their military carried out airstrikes on what they called militant targets inside Afghanistan, including in major cities. In a strongly worded statement, Pakistan declared it was engaged in an “open war” following what it described as repeated cross-border attacks.

Afghanistan’s government said its forces were conducting operations in several provinces along the frontier in response to Pakistani airstrikes. Officials in Kabul accused Pakistan of violating Afghan sovereignty and targeting civilian areas.

Residents in Kabul reported hearing multiple blasts across the capital late Thursday. It was not immediately clear what had been hit, and there was no independent confirmation of casualties in the city.

Clashes were also reported near the Torkham crossing, a strategic gateway that serves as a primary trade and travel route between the two countries. The crossing has frequently been a flashpoint during periods of heightened tensions.

Both sides reported heavy losses and issued conflicting death tolls. Pakistani officials said dozens of militants had been killed in airstrikes, while Afghan authorities claimed significant casualties among Pakistani forces and civilians from bombing raids.

There was no immediate independent verification of the claims from either side.