Pakistan has launched new airstrikes on Afghanistan, ending a month of calm and escalating what Islamabad previously called "open war" between the neighbors. The strikes hit the eastern provinces of Khost, Kunar, and Paktika, killing 13 people, including 11 children. Pakistan confirmed the strikes and said 26 militants were killed as it targeted hideouts linked to recent attacks inside Pakistan. Fighting between the two countries has been ongoing since February. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring militants, while Kabul denies the charge. The border has been closed since October, disrupting trade and transportation. Efforts for peace talks have failed to produce a lasting truce.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have traded attacks in a dramatic escalation of tensions between the countries. Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif said Friday the two countries are now in "open war." Afghanistan launched a cross-border attack on Pakistan late Thursday, saying it was in retaliation for earlier Pakistani airstrikes. Pakistan then carried out airstrikes in Kabul and two other Afghan provinces Friday. Tensions have been high between the neighbors for months. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan's Taliban government of harboring militant groups that then stage attacks across the border and also of allying with its archrival India. A ceasefire ended intense fighting in October, although the two sides have occasionally traded fire since then.