Moscow, Feb 27 (NationPress) On Friday, Russia voiced its concern regarding the intensifying clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, urging both nations to settle their disputes through political and diplomatic channels.

In a statement posted on X, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, remarked, "We are alarmed by the significant surge in armed conflicts between Afghanistan and Pakistan. We urge both parties to renounce this perilous confrontation and return to negotiations to address all disagreements through political and diplomatic avenues."

Following the escalation of border tensions, Pakistan initiated Operation 'Ghazab lil-Haq', targeting various regions including Kabul, Paktia, and Kandahar. In retaliation, Afghanistan executed airstrikes against several military sites in Pakistan.

As the situation worsens, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has called on both nations to address their differences through a framework of good neighborliness and dialogue. He offered Iran's assistance in facilitating discussions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

"During the holy month of Ramadan, a time for self-restraint and unity in the Islamic world, it is appropriate for Afghanistan and Pakistan to manage their existing differences amicably. The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to assist in fostering dialogue and cooperation between the two countries," Araghchi shared on X.

China has expressed its deep concern regarding the escalation of conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, advocating for an immediate ceasefire, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.

At a news conference on Friday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated, "China is closely monitoring the developments. Pakistan and Afghanistan share an inseparable bond as neighbors, and both are also close to China."

Expressing sorrow over the casualties resulting from the conflict, Mao noted that the current fighting is more intense than previous encounters and warned that further escalation would lead to increased suffering for both sides. While reiterating China's commitment to combatting terrorism in all its forms, she urged both nations to remain calm and seek resolution through dialogue.

Mao mentioned that China has been mediating the conflict and is willing to continue playing a constructive role in de-escalating tensions and improving relations between these two countries.

Earlier, the Afghan Air Force conducted airstrikes against Pakistani military targets in Islamabad, Nowshera, Jamrud, and Abbottabad, according to Taliban Deputy Spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat.

Fitrat confirmed that these operations were in retaliation for airstrikes executed by the Pakistani military in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia the previous night.

"The Air Force of the Ministry of National Defence successfully targeted a military camp near Faizabad city in Islamabad, an army base in Nowshera, a military colony in Jamrud, and Abbottabad today around 11:00 am," Fitrat announced on X.

He added, "These strikes targeted crucial military positions and installations of the Pakistani army. They were conducted in response to the Pakistani military's airstrikes on Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia last night."

The Afghan Ministry of National Defence reported that their forces launched counterstrikes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, resulting in the deaths of at least 55 Pakistani soldiers and the capture of two bases and 19 posts.

Additionally, it was reported that eight Afghan soldiers lost their lives, with 11 others injured during the operation.

Kabul also stated that 13 Afghan civilians, including women and children, sustained injuries from a missile attack by Pakistani forces on a refugee camp in the Afghan province of Nangarhar.

On Thursday, Pakistan initiated 'Operation Ghazab lil-Haq' (Righteous Fury) in response to what it termed as "unprovoked firing" from Afghan forces across multiple border sectors, as reported by Pakistan's leading daily 'Dawn'. The Pakistan Air Force executed airstrikes targeting military installations in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia.