•Intense clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, including Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul and Kandahar, and Taliban attacks on Pakistani border posts and Nur Khan airbase.
•Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif declared an "open war" with Afghanistan, signaling a severe escalation in tensions.
•Analyst Michael Kugelman outlines three scenarios: fragile ceasefire, sustained limited clashes, or a full-scale escalation.
•Worst-case involves Pakistan expanding air campaigns, triggering broader Afghan Taliban retaliation and militant attacks deep inside Pakistan.
•Full-scale conflict could destabilize Pakistan, already facing tensions with India and potential spillover from Iran, potentially drawing international intervention.
