Afghanistan and Pakistan Engage in Escalating Cross-Border Clashes
Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have reached a boiling point, with both nations conducting cross-border attacks in recent days. The escalating violence, marked by airstrikes and retaliatory offensives, has prompted international concern and calls for de-escalation through diplomatic channels.
Recent Escalation of Violence
On Friday, February 26, 2026, Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul and the provinces of Kandahar and Paktia in Afghanistan, according to Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. This action followed a cross-border attack launched by Afghanistan’s military late Thursday, reportedly in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan border areas the previous Sunday. Afghanistan claims to have captured more than a dozen Pakistani army posts during its offensive.
Pakistan’s government has characterized its initial strikes as targeting militants harbored in the border region, whereas dismissing Afghanistan’s claims of capturing army posts. The recent Pakistani strikes reportedly targeted camps and hideouts of the Pakistan Taliban (TTP) and the Islamic State (IS) group The Hindu.
At least three explosions were heard in Kabul on Friday, with no immediate information available regarding the exact locations or potential casualties AP News. According to UN reports, at least 13 civilians were killed in the Pakistani attacks last weekend, and 70 Afghan civilians died in Pakistani attacks in the fall nau.ch.
International Response and Calls for De-escalation
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed concern over the cross-border clashes and urged both Afghanistan and Pakistan to comply with international law, ensuring the protection of civilians. Guterres also emphasized the importance of resolving differences through diplomacy Xinhua.
Guterres’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, stated that the Secretary-General commends the mediation efforts by several Member States in recent months and encourages continued dialogue between the two nations Xinhua.
Deteriorating Relations
The relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan has significantly deteriorated in recent months. Islamabad accuses Kabul of harboring terrorists who carry out attacks within Pakistan nau.ch. Previous clashes occurred in the fall, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the neighboring countries.
The Qatar-mediated ceasefire appears increasingly shaky given the recent escalation of violence AP News.