Alex Ritson

So it's war then?

Pakistani defense minister today, he openly said they are in open war with Afghanistan.

Why?

But on the other side, when we see there are some efforts of de-escalation, the Pakistani foreign minister spoke to his Qatari and to his Saudi counterparts.

Iranians have shown concern and offered mediation.

Taliban's foreign minister spoke to his Turkish counterpart.

So there are some efforts going on behind the scenes in order to de-escalate.

Yama Baris in Kabul.

China and Iran have offered to mediate to try to end hostilities.

Our correspondent in the region, Yogita Lemoye, has been telling me more about this latest escalation.

Yogita Lemurye.

And we have more on this on our YouTube channel.

Search for BBC News on YouTube and you'll find Global News Podcast in the podcast section.

There's a news story available every weekday.

Nine senior officers of the Chinese military have been officially removed as delegates to the country's annual parliamentary session just days before it's due to start.

It's being seen as a sign that Xi Jinping's crackdown within the upper ranks of the People's Liberation Army is continuing.

I heard more from our China correspondent Stephen McDonnell, who's in Beijing.

We just got a readout saying that the following delegates to the National People's Congress have been removed.

Five full generals, four other senior officers.

No explanation why.