India, Feb. 28 -- Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have intensified dramatically following a new wave of cross-border strikes, raising fears of a prolonged and potentially wider conflict in the region.

Pakistani forces launched airstrikes on multiple targets inside Afghanistan, including the Capital Kabul and the southern stronghold of Kandahar, officials confirmed. The strikes

followed reports that Afghan forces had attacked Pakistani border troops late on Thursday night.

The Taliban-led administration in Kabul described the border assault as retaliation for earlier Pakistani air operations that it claims resulted in casualties within Afghan territory. Islamabad, however, insists its actions were aimed at dismantling militant...