Pakistan and Afghanistan at ‘Open War’ as Airstrikes Escalate Conflict

Islamabad has launched airstrikes on major Afghan cities, including Kabul, prompting its defense minister to declare “open war” with Afghanistan. The escalation follows retaliatory attacks by Afghan forces and months of increasing tensions between the neighboring countries.

Escalation of Hostilities

Pakistan initiated airstrikes on Kabul, Paktia province, and Kandahar on Friday, February 27, 2026, targeting what Pakistani officials described as Afghan defense facilities . This action came in response to attacks launched by the Taliban’s military on Pakistani positions late Thursday night, which Kabul claimed were retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes over the weekend that reportedly killed at least 18 people .

Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared an “all-out confrontation” with the Taliban government, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Our patience has reached its limit. Now it is open war between us and you” . Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted that Pakistan’s armed forces have the capability to “crush any aggressive ambitions” .

Taliban Response and Claims

The Taliban government confirmed the Pakistani airstrikes, with spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid initially reporting no casualties . However, prior to the strikes, Mujahid announced “large-scale offensive operations” at the border “in response to repeated violations by the Pakistani military” . The Afghan defence ministry reported eight of its soldiers had been killed in land offensives .

Mujahid also claimed that several Pakistani soldiers had been “caught alive,” a claim denied by the Pakistani prime minister’s office .

Regional Impact and International Response

The conflict threatens to exacerbate instability in the region. The border between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been largely closed since deadly fighting in October, which resulted in more than 70 casualties on both sides .

Don Brown, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Diplomatic mission to Afghanistan, stated that the U.S. Is aware of the escalation and is monitoring the situation closely . Russia has urged both countries to cease cross-border strikes and resolve their differences through diplomacy .

Underlying Issues

Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of failing to address militant groups operating within its borders that carry out attacks in Pakistan . The Taliban government denies these accusations.

Previous attempts at negotiation, including a ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey, have failed to yield a lasting agreement.