Escalating Tensions: Afghan Forces Strike Back at Pakistani Military Amid Ongoing Conflict

Tensions along the Durand Line have escalated as Afghan forces retaliate against Pakistani military bases following airstrikes. The conflict, now in its fifth day, has seen significant military engagements, with Afghan troops claiming victories and inflicting casualties on Pakistani forces. This ongoing confrontation highlights the instability in the region, as both sides accuse each other of aggression. Read on to learn more about the latest developments in this volatile situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 3, 2026, 12:35 IST

Intensifying Conflict Along the Durand Line

Kabul: In response to recent airstrikes by the Pakistan Air Force, Afghan military forces have launched counterattacks on Pakistani military installations. This escalation marks the fifth consecutive day of conflict along the contentious Durand Line.

The Afghan Ministry of Defense reported that their forces targeted several strategic military sites near the extensive 2,600-km border with Pakistan, focusing on regions associated with Kabul, as well as the Ali-Sher district in Khost, Jalalabad, and Kandahar.

This surge in hostilities follows Pakistan's airstrikes on February 21-22, which it claimed were aimed at terrorist camps within Afghan territory.

Afghan officials have indicated that their troops have successfully taken control of multiple Pakistani military posts in Kandahar province, particularly in the Spin Boldak and Shorabak districts.

Reports suggest that three military posts were captured in Spin Boldak, leading to the deaths of three Pakistani soldiers and the capture of one. Additionally, two posts were seized in the Ali-Sher district, as reported by TOLOnews.

Over the last four days, both Afghan and Pakistani forces have engaged in cross-border attacks against each other. While these clashes are noted to be among the most intense in recent years, officials have mentioned a slight decrease in intensity compared to the initial confrontations.

The current conflict escalated last month when Taliban-led Afghan forces initiated retaliatory strikes against Pakistani military targets, following Pakistan's operations against militants in Afghanistan.

On Monday, the Afghan defense ministry announced the destruction of a Pakistani armored tank in Paktika province, which had allegedly fired indiscriminately into Afghan territory.

According to ministry spokesperson Enayatullah Khowarazmi, Afghan forces have reportedly killed over 100 Pakistani soldiers and captured more than 25 military posts to date.

Additionally, Afghan police reported that Pakistani fighter jets attempted to bomb Bagram air base near Kabul but were intercepted by Afghan air defense systems.

Fortunately, no casualties or damage were reported from this incident. Bagram air base was previously the largest U.S. military installation in Afghanistan during the two-decade conflict.

This ongoing conflict highlights the increasing instability along the Durand Line, with both nations accusing each other of aggression as military confrontations persist across the border.