Pakistan and Afghanistan Exchange Airstrikes, Declaring ‘Open War’
Islamabad and Kabul have engaged in direct military conflict, with Pakistan launching airstrikes into Afghanistan and Afghanistan responding with retaliatory attacks. The escalation marks a significant deterioration in relations between the two neighboring countries, with Pakistan’s defense minister stating an “open war” has begun.
Escalation of Hostilities
The recent clashes began after Afghan troops reportedly attacked Pakistani border positions on Friday, February 27, 2026. Pakistan responded with strikes targeting what it claims are militant targets in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktika provinces . Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar confirmed the strikes, stating Pakistan’s armed forces demonstrate a firm response to any aggression .
Afghanistan confirmed the Pakistani airstrikes but claimed there were no casualties . Prior to the Pakistani strikes, the Taliban announced “large-scale offensive operations” on the Pakistani border in response to what they described as repeated violations by the Pakistani military . The Afghan Ministry of Defense reported eight of its soldiers were killed in ground operations .
Pakistan’s Justification and Response
Pakistan’s defense minister stated the country had run out of “patience” and now considers itself in an “open war” with Afghanistan . Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asserted that Pakistan’s armed forces have the capability to “crush any aggressive ambitions,” while Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared “our patience has reached its limit” .
Pakistani state TV reported that Taliban targets hit in the latest strikes included locations in Kandahar province, Kabul, and Paktika . Pakistan claims to have inflicted significant damage, alleging over 130 Afghan fighters were killed . The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is reportedly patrolling the skies over Afghanistan’s Kandahar .
International Response and Mediation Efforts
The clashes have prompted calls for de-escalation from international bodies. UN chief António Guterres has urged restraint and the protection of civilians . Iran has offered to mediate between Kabul and Islamabad . Saudi Arabia has also been involved in regional discussions, recently mediating the release of three Pakistani soldiers captured by Afghanistan last October .
Underlying Tensions
Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of failing to address militant groups operating within its borders and carrying out attacks on Pakistani territory, a charge the Taliban government denies . Relations between the two countries have been strained in recent months, with most land crossings closed since deadly clashes in October that resulted in over 70 casualties on both sides .