Pakistani Jet Crashes in Jalalabad, Pilot Captured Amidst Rising Tensions

A Pakistani fighter jet crashed in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, with the pilot reportedly captured by Afghan forces, according to Afghan military and police officials. The incident occurred amidst escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, following Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory and a subsequent border offensive launched by Afghan forces.

Details of the Crash

The aircraft went down in the sixth district of Jalalabad city. Afghan police spokesman Tayeb Hammad stated that the pilot was captured alive after parachuting from the plane. Wahidullah Mohammadi, a spokesman for the military in eastern Afghanistan, confirmed that Afghan forces downed the jet and took the pilot into custody. Residents reported seeing the pilot parachute before being detained.

Conflicting Reports

While Afghan officials confirmed the downing of the jet and the capture of the pilot, Pakistan’s foreign ministry spokesman Tahir Hussain Andrabi dismissed the claims as “false” and “totally untrue.”

Escalating Conflict

The incident follows a series of escalating events. Pakistan launched airstrikes on Friday, February 27, 2026, targeting the Afghan capital, Kabul, and southern Kandahar, where the Taliban’s Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada is based. These strikes were in response to a border offensive initiated by Afghan forces late on Thursday, February 26, 2026, which the Taliban government characterized as retaliation for prior Pakistani strikes on Afghanistan.

International Concerns

The escalating violence has raised concerns internationally, with UN Chief Guterres expressing deep concern over the situation.