Pakistani airstrikes targeted Taliban military sites in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, and Nangarhar, resulting in over 133 Taliban fighters killed, more than 200 injured.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan reached a boiling point on February 26, 2026, when Afghan Taliban forces launched unprovoked cross-border attacks on Pakistani positions in Chitral, Bajaur, Khyber, Mohmand, and Kurram districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The attacks began around 10:30 PM PKT, involving heavy artillery, small arms, and possibly drones, targeting Pakistani checkposts. Pakistani security forces responded immediately with coordinated counter-strikes, silencing the aggression and inflicting heavy losses.
In retaliation, Pakistan initiated Operation Ghazab Lil Haq late that night, conducting airstrikes on Afghan Taliban defense installations. The operation targeted key sites: two brigade headquarters in Kabul, a corps headquarters, brigade headquarters, ammunition depot, and logistics base in Kandahar, and a corps headquarters in Paktia. An additional large ammunition depot in Nangarhar was destroyed. Pakistani officials reported destroying 16 Taliban posts, capturing 7, and obliterating a battalion headquarters, sector headquarters, and over 36 tanks, artillery guns, and armored vehicles.
Casualty figures from Pakistani sources indicate 133 Afghan Taliban fighters killed and over 200 injured. On the Pakistani side, two security personnel were martyred during the clashes. No Pakistani posts were reported captured or damaged, and forces repelled attempts involving helicopters. Fighting along the Angoor Adda sector ceased after Pakistani forces captured and destroyed Afghan checkposts like Afghan Charlie Post and Afghan Babri Post.
Pakistani leaders condemned the aggression. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated Pakistan is fully prepared to defend its sovereignty, praising the armed forces under Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif declared it an “open war,” noting Pakistan’s patience had ended. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed the casualties and emphasized the effective response. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned of serious consequences. In response, Afghan spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed the attacks were in self-defense against alleged Pakistani violations, denying war intentions but warning of further mobilization.
This escalation follows prior incidents, including Pakistani airstrikes on February 22, 2026, targeting TTP and ISKP camps in Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost, killing over 80 militants. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring TTP, denied by Kabul. Earlier clashes date to October 2025, leading to border closures and failed talks in Qatar and Turkey. As of February 27, 2026, around 1:00 PM PKT, operations continue with high alerts in Punjab and Karachi. International actors, including Russia, Iran, and the UN, urge restraint and dialogue.
