How the "Great Game" tensions between Russia and Britain over the war-torn region led to the declaration of war between Pakistan and Afghanistan - and it could get far worse

Iran, Russia, and China urge dialogue and mediation to resolve escalating conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan amidst ongoing violence.

The diplomatic intervention from Moscow arrived as the long-simmering border dispute reached a breaking point Friday morning. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif declared that the country had run out of "patience" following repeated cross-border attacks and stated on social media that it is now an open war between the two nations.

Pakistan Airstrike on Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia LIVE Updates: Early Friday morning, explosions and aircraft sounds were heard in Kabul, just hours after Afghanistan claimed it had attacked Pakistani border posts.

Pakistan's defense minister said that his country ran out of "patience" and considers that there is now an "open war" with Afghanistan, after both countries launched strikes following an Afghan cross-border attack.

Bloomberg reported on the stunning numbers in a Thursday article, noting that Russia is now losing more men than it is able to recruit.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in posts on X that multiple Pakistani troops were killed and others taken prisoner late on Thursday after Afghanistan launched attacks in response to last