Moscow calls on Afghanistan and Pakistan to engage in diplomacy

Russia is urging Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their ongoing conflict through diplomatic means and to cease hostilities, according to Zamir Kabulov, the Russian President's Special Representative for Afghanistan.

"We support a swift end to mutual attacks and a diplomatic resolution to disagreements",

Zamir Kabulov said.

The call comes after the Taliban announced the launch of a military operation against Pakistan on the night of February 26-27, with clashes continuing through the night.

Pakistan reported that at least 133 Afghan service members had been killed and hundreds wounded, while Afghanistan claimed 55 Pakistani soldiers had died. 13 civilians were also reportedly killed in an airstrike on Pakistani territory.

On the morning of February 27, the Taliban declared the end of their military operation, while Pakistan described the situation as the beginning of open war.