Tensions Escalate: Afghanistan Promises Strong Retaliation Against Pakistan Airstrikes

Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have reached a boiling point following deadly airstrikes by Pakistan that resulted in significant casualties in Kabul. Afghan officials, led by Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Matin Qane, have vowed a strong retaliation, viewing the strikes as a violation of their sovereignty. This incident marks a troubling escalation in hostilities, with both nations exchanging accusations and military actions in recent weeks. As recovery efforts continue, the situation remains precarious, with fears of further conflict looming.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 17, 2026, 13:41 IST

Afghanistan's Strong Warning to Pakistan

Kabul: Abdul Matin Qane, the spokesperson for Afghanistan's Ministry of Interior, issued a stern warning on Tuesday, stating that the nation would deliver a 'teeth-breaking response' to the recent airstrikes conducted by Pakistan in Kabul, according to local media reports.

The airstrikes reportedly targeted the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital, a facility with 2,000 beds located in the Pul-e-Charkhi area of Kabul, resulting in the deaths of at least 400 individuals and injuring around 250 more. Qane mentioned that recovery operations were underway as emergency teams searched for victims trapped beneath the debris, as reported by Ariana News.

Qane characterized the Pakistani airstrike as a significant escalation and emphasized that such actions would not go unanswered. He reiterated that Afghan officials view this incident as a breach of Afghanistan's sovereignty, as per Ariana News.

This incident signifies a notable increase in hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have been marked by airstrikes, artillery exchanges, and mutual accusations in recent weeks.

Afghan authorities have condemned what they describe as Pakistan's military operations within Afghanistan, particularly in the eastern and southeastern regions.

In the past few weeks, Afghan officials have reported that these strikes and shelling incidents have resulted in casualties and damage to critical infrastructure. Meanwhile, Islamabad claims it is targeting militant groups that allegedly use Afghan territory to launch attacks into Pakistan.

On March 14, Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesman for the Afghan government, stated that Pakistani airstrikes had resulted in four fatalities and 25 injuries in Kabul early Friday.

Fitrat noted that, in addition to Kabul, air raids were also conducted in Kandahar, Paktika, Khost, and Nangarhar provinces on Thursday night and Friday, with an oil depot in Kandahar being specifically targeted, according to reports from Xinhua News Agency.

The current cycle of violence began when Taliban-led Afghan forces initiated retaliatory operations against Pakistani military positions on February 27, following Pakistan's targeting of militants within Afghan territory on February 21.

In response to Afghanistan's actions, Pakistan launched 'Operation Ghazab lil-Haq' (Righteous Fury), which it described as a reaction to what it termed 'unprovoked firing' by Afghan forces across various border sectors.