Pakistan and Afghanistan Edge Closer to Full-Scale War

Following cross-border attacks and escalating tensions, Pakistan and Afghanistan are on the brink of all-out war. Pakistan launched airstrikes targeting Taliban government sites in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia province on Friday, February 27, 2026, declaring an “open war” after an Afghan offensive on its border the previous day.

Escalation of Conflict

Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated on X (formerly Twitter), “Our patience has reached its limits. It is now open war between us and you.” Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif affirmed the country’s military capabilities, stating they could “crush any aggressive ambition” from Afghanistan.

Agence France-Presse journalists in Kabul reported hearing explosions and observing fighter jets overhead. Similar reports came from Kandahar, the Taliban’s southern power base.

Tit-for-Tat Attacks

The Pakistani strikes were in response to “massive attacks” launched by Afghan forces on Thursday, February 27, 2026, targeting Pakistani border positions. Afghanistan had previously announced these attacks as retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes conducted the previous weekend.

Islamabad claims its earlier strikes targeted “terrorist” camps, resulting in over 80 deaths, according to a security source. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid countered that Afghan forces had captured 15 Pakistani outposts on Thursday and killed “dozens” of soldiers. Mujahid confirmed the Pakistani strikes on Friday, stating there were no casualties.

Deteriorating Relations

Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban-led Afghanistan have significantly deteriorated in recent months. Land border crossings have been largely closed since October, following clashes that resulted in over 70 casualties on both sides.

Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring armed militant groups that launch attacks on Pakistani territory, a claim Kabul denies.

Failed Negotiations

Several rounds of negotiations, including mediation efforts by Qatar and Turkey, have failed to produce a lasting ceasefire. A brief truce agreed upon in October was deemed obsolete by Pakistan nine days later, citing continued attacks orchestrated by the Pakistani Taliban (TTP).

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, discussed the conflict with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the region. Dar also held a similar conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.