Pakistan Air Force Launches Airstrikes in Afghanistan Amid Rising Tensions

The Pakistan Air Force has intensified its military operations by conducting airstrikes in Afghanistan, targeting Taliban positions in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktika. This escalation follows a Taliban attack along the border, leading to significant casualties on both sides. Pakistan's Information Minister reported extensive damage to Taliban military infrastructure, while Afghanistan disputes these claims. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing counter-operations and accusations of unprovoked attacks. This confrontation marks a critical moment in the already fragile relationship between the two nations, raising concerns about further instability in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 27, 2026, 06:04 IST

Escalation of Conflict Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

The Pakistan Air Force has executed airstrikes targeting Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktika provinces in Afghanistan following a Taliban offensive along the border. Footage released by Islamabad depicts the overnight strikes aimed at Taliban military sites, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

According to Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, the operation, dubbed “Operation Ghazab lil-Haq,” resulted in the deaths of 133 Taliban fighters and left over 200 injured. He characterized this as a significant increase in cross-border tensions, stating that Afghan Taliban defense targets were hit in the three provinces, with potential for more casualties.

Tarar reported the destruction of 27 Taliban posts and the capture of nine, alongside the obliteration of two corps headquarters, three brigade headquarters, two ammunition depots, one logistics base, three battalion headquarters, and two sector headquarters. Additionally, more than 80 tanks, artillery pieces, and armored vehicles were reportedly neutralized.

Prior reports from Pakistan’s state broadcaster indicated that key military sites in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktika were destroyed during the airstrikes.

The Information Minister described these military actions as a decisive response to what Islamabad termed previous aggressions and violations along the contentious border, asserting that counter-operations are still in progress. However, Kabul has rejected the casualty figures and contested Pakistan’s account of events.

This update follows reports of three explosions and aircraft activity in Kabul, occurring after Afghanistan allegedly launched a cross-border attack on Pakistan. Kabul claimed to have seized multiple Pakistani military posts in retaliation for earlier airstrikes.

While the video evidence from Pakistani authorities remains unverified, AFP journalists in Kabul reported hearing several explosions around 1:50 AM local time, accompanied by the sounds of fighter jets and gunfire. Residents noted that the blasts rattled homes in various parts of the city.

The recent escalation comes after days of artillery exchanges and border skirmishes, with both nations accusing each other of initiating unprovoked attacks. The Taliban government has stated that it initiated large-scale operations against Pakistani military posts in response to prior airstrikes.

Pakistan asserts that its strikes were aimed at Taliban military strongholds as part of a broader security strategy amidst increasing cross-border tensions. Conversely, Afghanistan’s government has condemned the strikes, alleging that they targeted civilian areas and warned that such actions could lead to further instability.

This latest outbreak of violence represents one of the most severe confrontations between Pakistan and the Taliban-led Afghan administration in recent months, occurring against a backdrop of fragile ceasefires and ongoing border clashes.