Pakistan-Afghanistan Conflict: Pakistan Bombs Taliban Targets in ‘Open War’
Pakistan bombed Taliban government forces in Afghanistan’s major cities overnight, the first time it has directly targeted its former allies over allegations they are harbouring militants, describing the situation as “open war”.
The Pakistani strikes hit the capital Kabul and the city of Kandahar, where Taliban leaders are based. It was the first time Islamabad has attacked Taliban military facilities rather than militants it says are backed by the group, a stark rupture in ties between the Islamic neighbours.
Security sources in Pakistan said the strikes involved air-to-ground missile attacks on Taliban military offices and posts in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia province in response to Afghan attacks yesterday.
The Taliban, which denies sponsoring militant attacks on Pakistan and makes similar accusations against its neighbour, said it had launched what it described as retaliatory attacks on Pakistani military installations yesterday but was ready to negotiate.
Multiple ground clashes were reported along the border and both sides said they had inflicted heavy losses on the other, issuing sharply differing figures that Reuters could not independently verify.
“Our cup of patience has overflowed. Now it is open war between us and you [Afghanistan],” Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said today.
The strikes threaten to unleash a protracted conflict along the 2,600km (1,615 mile) frontier.
Pakistan is nuclear-armed and its military capabilities are vastly superior to Afghanistan. However, the Taliban are adept at guerrilla warfare, hardened by decades of fighting with US-led forces, before returning to power in 2021.
Russia, China, Turkey and Saudi Arabia are trying to mediate in the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict, diplomats and news reports said. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi told his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan a solution would require commitment from the other side, the Afghan ministry said.
Iran, which borders both Afghanistan and Pakistan, also offered to help, although it is in the midst of high-stakes talks with Washington on resolving their long-standing nuclear dispute and averting new US strikes on Iran.
A video of strikes on Kabul, for which Reuters was able to verify the location, showed thick plumes of black smoke rising from two sites and a massive blaze in part of the capital.
Reuters witnesses in Kabul said many ambulance sirens could be heard following loud blasts and the sound of jets.
Pakistani air strikes hit 22 Afghan military targets, killing 274 Taliban officials and militants, military spokesperson Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry told reporters. At least 12 Pakistani soldiers were also killed, he said.
“An effective, immediate and brutal response was given,” Mr Chaudhry said.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 19 posts seized.
He confirmed that Pakistani forces carried out air strikes on parts of Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia last night, and on Paktia, Paktika, Khost and Laghman today.
While there were no casualties in the night strikes, there were civilian casualties in today’s strikes, he told reporters without sharing numbers. Thirteen Taliban fighters were killed and 12 wounded in “retaliatory operations” that lasted two hours, he added.
“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has always tried to resolve issues through dialogue, and now also we want to resolve this matter through dialogue,” Mr Mujahid said.
The Taliban defence ministry said earlier that it had “successfully conducted” drone attacks on military targets in Pakistan. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the strikes were carried out by Pakistani Taliban militants and all the drones brought down with “no damage to life”.
Videos shared by Pakistani security officials showed flashes of light in the night from firing along the border and the sound of heavy artillery.
Clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan in October killed dozens of soldiers until negotiations facilitated by Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia brought an end to the hostilities.
Pakistan has been on high security alert since it launched air strikes earlier this week that Islamabad said targeted camps of Pakistani Taliban and Islamic State militants in eastern Afghanistan.
Kabul and the United Nations said the strikes killed 13 civilians and the Taliban warned there would be a strong response.
The government of Pakistan’s Punjab province said it was on high alert for militant attacks today and had conducted a series of security operations, taking 90 Afghan nationals to holding centres for deportation.
ARTICOL CREAT:
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared “open war” with the Taliban government in Afghanistan on Friday, February 27, 2026, following a series of cross-border strikes and escalating tensions. The declaration marks a significant rupture in relations between the two Islamic neighbours, escalating a conflict rooted in Pakistan’s accusations that Afghanistan is harboring militants responsible for attacks within Pakistan. This latest escalation involves Pakistani airstrikes targeting Kabul and other Afghan cities, a first-time direct targeting of Taliban military facilities rather than solely alleged militant positions.
A Cycle of Retaliation
The immediate trigger for the current crisis appears to be a series of retaliatory attacks. According to Pakistani officials, Afghan forces initiated attacks on Pakistani military positions near the border, prompting Islamabad to launch airstrikes on targets within Afghanistan, including the capital, Kabul, and Kandahar, a key city and Taliban stronghold. The Taliban, but, claims it was responding to earlier Pakistani airstrikes. Both sides assert inflicting heavy casualties, though independent verification of these claims remains elusive. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 19 posts seized, even as Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, reported 274 Taliban officials and militants killed, alongside 12 Pakistani soldiers. These figures are sharply divergent and currently unconfirmed.
The Core Grievance: The TTP
At the heart of the conflict lies Pakistan’s long-standing accusation that Afghanistan is providing safe haven to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), as well known as the Pakistan Taliban. Islamabad contends that the TTP, a separate entity from the Afghan Taliban but sharing a similar ideology, uses Afghan territory to launch attacks against Pakistan. Al Jazeera reports that Pakistan wants the Taliban to rein in these groups. The TTP has claimed responsibility for numerous attacks within Pakistan, including a recent surge in violence targeting security forces. Afghanistan consistently denies supporting the TTP, and in turn, accuses Pakistan of supporting militant groups operating within Afghanistan. This mutual accusation forms a dangerous cycle of distrust and escalating violence.
Historical Roots of a Fractured Relationship
The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been fraught with tension for decades, largely centered around the disputed Durand Line – the 1,600-mile border established in 1893 during British colonial rule. Afghanistan has never formally recognized the Durand Line, viewing it as an imposition by the British and a division of Pashtun lands. The Taliban, since seizing power in 2021, has continued to challenge the border’s legitimacy. The Guardian notes that relations have “wavered between cautious diplomacy to open hostility” since the Taliban’s return to power. Prior to the recent escalation, attempts at negotiation, brokered by Qatar and Turkey, had failed to yield a lasting agreement, with a ceasefire reached in October ultimately collapsing. The current crisis represents a significant deterioration of those already strained diplomatic efforts.
The Durand Line and Regional Security
The Durand Line isn’t merely a border dispute. it’s a key factor in regional security. The porous border facilitates the movement of militants and arms, contributing to instability in both countries. Pakistan’s concerns about the TTP are compounded by the presence of other militant groups, including Islamic State affiliates, operating in the region. The border area is also a significant transit route for drug trafficking, further complicating security challenges. The escalation of conflict along the Durand Line risks further destabilizing an already volatile region, potentially drawing in other actors and exacerbating existing humanitarian crises.
International Mediation Efforts
Recognizing the potential for a wider conflict, several countries are attempting to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Russia, China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia are reportedly engaged in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has indicated a willingness to negotiate, telling his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan that a resolution requires commitment from both sides. Iran, which shares borders with both nations, has also offered to assist in mediation, though its own complex geopolitical position – particularly ongoing negotiations with the United States – may limit its ability to act as an impartial mediator. The involvement of multiple actors underscores the international concern over the escalating conflict and the potential for broader regional instability.
What’s Confirmed and What Remains Unclear
Confirmed: Pakistan has conducted airstrikes within Afghanistan, targeting Kabul, Kandahar, and other cities. Pakistan’s Defence Minister has declared “open war” with the Taliban. Both sides have accused each other of initiating attacks and inflicting casualties. International mediation efforts are underway.
Unclear: The exact number of casualties on both sides remains unverified. The extent of Taliban support for the TTP is disputed. The long-term objectives of Pakistan’s military operations are not fully articulated. The effectiveness of international mediation efforts is uncertain. The potential for civilian casualties, while acknowledged by the Taliban, lacks specific figures.
The Asymmetry of Power and the Prospect of Protracted Conflict
While Pakistan possesses a significantly more powerful military than Afghanistan, the Taliban’s experience in guerrilla warfare presents a formidable challenge. Having spent decades fighting against US-led forces, the Taliban are adept at operating in mountainous terrain and employing asymmetric tactics. Pakistan’s military capabilities, including its nuclear arsenal, are vastly superior, but a protracted conflict could strain its resources and further destabilize the region. The 2,600km frontier presents a vast area for potential conflict, making it difficult for Pakistan to effectively control the border and prevent militant activity. The potential for a prolonged insurgency, coupled with the humanitarian consequences of widespread violence, raises serious concerns about the future of the region.
Next Steps: A Diplomatic Tightrope
The immediate next steps hinge on the success of ongoing diplomatic efforts. The mediators – Russia, China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia – will likely focus on securing a ceasefire and establishing a framework for dialogue. However, given the deep-seated mistrust and conflicting narratives, achieving a lasting resolution will be a significant challenge. Pakistan is likely to demand concrete assurances from the Taliban regarding the dismantling of TTP safe havens, while the Taliban will likely seek recognition of the Durand Line as a legitimate border. The United Nations may play a role in monitoring any ceasefire agreement and providing humanitarian assistance to affected populations. The situation remains highly fluid, and the potential for further escalation remains a significant concern.