Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions Turn to War

• By Thetripurapost Web Desk, Kabul
• Feb 27, 2026
• 606

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply escalated, assuming near war-like dimensions as both sides exchange heavy military strikes.

The Pakistan Air Force has reportedly conducted fresh airstrikes across multiple Afghan regions. In response, the Taliban claims to have targeted key installations, including the Faizabad military base in Islamabad. Hostilities intensified on Thursday night after Afghanistan retaliated for a Pakistani strike carried out on February 22.

According to TOLO News, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed in the clashes.

Islamabad subsequently launched “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq,” striking several provinces, including Kabul. Pakistani authorities assert that 274 Afghan fighters were killed and more than 400 injured during the operation.

Casualty figures from both sides suggest that over 300 people have died in the escalating violence. India has condemned Pakistan’s actions and voiced support for Afghanistan.

Afghan media outlets have also reported that Taliban forces shot down a Pakistani jet, though this claim remains unverified. The Afghan government further claims it is in possession of the bodies of 23 Pakistani soldiers and has captured a Pakistani army headquarters along with 19 outposts.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared that “the limit of our patience has been crossed,” asserting that an open war has now erupted between the two nations.