Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared an “open war” with Afghanistan. This statement followed a sharp escalation in tensions. Overnight, cross-border strikes occurred, and both sides made increasing battlefield claims.
Asif remarked, “Our patience has run out. It is now open war between us and you,” addressing Afghanistan directly. This blunt remark marked a dramatic shift in relations between the two nations.
Cross-Border Clashes and Casualty Discrepancies
Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities claimed at least 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed. This followed Pakistan’s airstrikes in Kabul and other Afghan cities. Reports also suggested multiple Taliban posts were destroyed.
However, Pakistani authorities disputed these figures. A Pakistani spokesperson stated that 133 Taliban fighters had been killed, over 200 wounded, and dozens of Taliban posts destroyed or captured.
Afghan local media also reported that air defence units shot down a Pakistani aircraft. This aircraft allegedly entered Afghan airspace during the exchanges, though no confirmation came from Pakistani officials.
Explosions and Gunfire in Kabul
On Friday morning, explosions and aircraft sounds were heard in Kabul. This occurred hours after the Taliban claimed its forces had captured military bases along the disputed Durand Line. Pakistan rejected these claims, insisting that it had inflicted heavy casualties on Afghan fighters.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. He stated, “The cowardly Pakistani military has carried out airstrikes in certain areas of Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia.”
Afghanistan Responds With Retaliatory Operation
Afghanistan’s Ministry of National Defense released a detailed statement about its counteroffensive. The operation began at 8 PM on Thursday, coinciding with the 9th of Ramadan 1447.
The Ministry accused Pakistan’s military of violating Afghan territory and killing women and children. Afghan forces launched coordinated attacks in multiple sectors along the Durand Line. These attacks targeted Paktika, Paktia, Khost, Nangarhar, Kunar, and Nuristan provinces.
The Ministry claimed Afghan forces captured two Pakistani military bases and 19 posts during a four-hour battle. The statement also reported the destruction of one Pakistani tank and a large military transport vehicle.
Afghan authorities acknowledged eight Taliban fighters were killed and 11 others wounded during the operation. They also reported that 13 Afghan civilians, including women and children, were injured in a missile attack on a refugee camp in Nangarhar.
Pakistan Rejects Afghan Claims
Pakistan strongly rejected Afghanistan’s casualty claims. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that only two Pakistani soldiers had been killed and three wounded. He also claimed that 36 Afghan fighters were dead.
Tarar emphasized that Pakistan would continue defending its territorial integrity and responded effectively to “unprovoked firing.”
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting asserted that Afghan Taliban forces initiated unprovoked firing across multiple points of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Pakistan responded quickly with military action in Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram, and Bajaur sectors. Reports suggested heavy casualties on the Afghan side, and multiple Taliban posts were destroyed.
Pakistan emphasized its commitment to securing its territorial integrity and ensuring citizens’ safety.
🇵🇰 “Pakistan will not compromise on peace & territorial integrity. Our armed forces’ response is comprehensive & decisive. Those who mistake our peace for weakness will face a strong response — and no one will be beyond reach.”
~ President Asif Ali Zardari— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) February 26, 2026
Fighting Reaches Torkham
Clashes also broke out in the Torkham border area, a critical crossing point. Afghan authorities began evacuating a nearby refugee camp after several refugees were injured. Pakistani authorities also relocated people from nearby villages.
Pakistani police reported mortars fired from Afghanistan landing in villages, but no civilian casualties occurred. Afghan military footage showed vehicles moving at night, accompanied by heavy gunfire. However, this footage couldn’t be independently verified.
Long-Standing Tensions Along the Durand Line
The Durand Line, a 2,611-kilometre border, has long been a point of conflict. Afghanistan has never formally recognized the line, which has led to ongoing tensions.
In October, deadly clashes led to casualties on both sides, with soldiers, civilians, and militants killed. A ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, held for some time, though sporadic skirmishes persisted.
The recent escalations highlight the continued volatility of the region.
