Pakistan has launched airstrikes on the Afghan capital, Kabul, and other major cities, with its defense minister declaring an “open war” against the Taliban-led government.
The escalation follows months of tit-for-tat border clashes and retaliatory attacks that have left dozens dead on both sides.
Explosions were reported in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia provinces early on February 27, 2026, with Pakistani forces targeting Taliban defense locations.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that Pakistan’s patience had “run out,” describing the situation as “open war” after Afghan forces attacked Pakistani border positions.
Islamabad claims the strikes killed over 130 Taliban operatives, while Afghan officials report civilian casualties, including women and children in Paktia.
The Pakistani military released images of the operation, which it named “Ghazab lil-Haq” (Righteous Fury), marking the first time Islamabad has directly targeted Taliban installations rather than militants allegedly backed by them.
Afghanistan’s Taliban government condemned the strikes as aggression, with spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirming Pakistani air attacks on Kabul and other areas.
This escalation threatens to destabilize the region, similar to ongoing US military deployments supporting Nigeria against ISWAP.
The clashes intensified after Afghan forces launched retaliatory strikes following earlier Pakistani bombings near the border.
Both sides have traded accusations, with Pakistan alleging unprovoked attacks on its territory and Afghanistan claiming self-defense.
This conflict threatens to destabilize the 2,600-kilometer border region, already a hotspot for militants and smuggling. Analysts warn that the escalation could draw in regional powers, with implications for security in South Asia.
The United States and other international actors have called for restraint, urging dialogue to prevent a full-scale war.
The situation remains fluid, with heavy gunfire and shelling reported near the Torkham border crossing.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed that its armed forces are ready to “crush any aggressive ambitions,” while Afghanistan’s leadership has vowed to defend its sovereignty.