Pakistan and Afghanistan Exchange Airstrikes Amidst Escalating Conflict

Islamabad launched airstrikes on Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, and the provinces of Kandahar and Paktia on Friday, February 27, 2026, following a cross-border attack, marking a significant escalation in violence between the two nations. A Qatar-mediated ceasefire signed in 2025 has seemingly failed to curb the rising tensions.

Recent Escalations

The recent exchange of attacks began with Afghan forces launching an attack on Pakistani border troops on Thursday night, which the Taliban government characterized as retaliation for earlier Pakistani airstrikes. Pakistan’s response came hours later, with at least three explosions reported in Kabul on Friday morning, though specific locations and casualty figures were initially unclear.

Official Statements

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the country’s armed forces are capable of “crushing” any aggression. According to the Pakistani government’s X page, Sharif affirmed the nation’s unwavering support for the armed forces.

Pakistan’s interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, described the strikes on Afghanistan as a “befitting response” to the Taliban’s aggression.

The Taliban government spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, reported that Pakistan as well conducted airstrikes in Kandahar and the south-eastern province of Paktia. Afghanistan claims its military launched an attack across the border into Pakistan late on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of 55 Pakistani soldiers and the capture of some alive.

Conflicting Casualty Reports

Discrepancies exist regarding casualty figures. The Afghan defence ministry claims 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed, with some bodies taken into Afghanistan, and 11 wounded. Pakistan’s information minister, Attaullah Tarar, reports only two Pakistani soldiers killed and three wounded, along with 36 Afghan fighters reported dead. Mosharraf Ali Zaidi, spokesperson for Prime Minister Sharif, denies any Pakistani soldiers were captured.

Underlying Issues and International Response

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated in recent months, with land border crossings largely closed since deadly clashes in October that resulted in over 70 casualties on both sides. Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of harboring militant groups that launch attacks within Pakistan, a claim the Taliban government denies.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged both sides to protect civilians and seek diplomatic solutions.

Durand Line and Refugee Situation

Pakistan and Afghanistan share a 2,611km border known as the Durand Line, which Afghanistan does not formally recognize. Authorities are evacuating a refugee camp near the Torkham border crossing after several refugees were wounded and 13 civilians, including women and children, were killed. Residents on both sides of the border are evacuating to safer areas, including Afghan refugees waiting to cross back into Afghanistan.

Diplomatic Efforts

Previous efforts to establish a lasting agreement between the two nations have stalled, with negotiations and a ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey in October appearing increasingly fragile.