Escalating Tensions: Afghanistan Launches Aerial Strikes on Pakistani Military Bases

Intensifying Conflict Between Afghanistan and Pakistan

Kabul: On Monday, Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence reported that its Air Force executed targeted aerial operations against several Pakistani military sites, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing security crisis between the two nations.

The Afghan defence ministry shared on X that the strikes focused on key Pakistani military locations, including the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, the 12th Division headquarters in Quetta, Balochistan, and the Khwazai Camp located in the Mohmand Agency of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Additionally, the ministry claimed that various other strategic command centers across Pakistan were also struck during these operations.

According to initial assessments, the strikes inflicted considerable damage on the intended targets. This military action was a response to recent incursions by the Pakistani military, which had targeted Kabul and Bagram.

The ministry emphasized that any further violations of Afghan airspace or 'acts of aggression' from Pakistan would lead to a 'swift, decisive, and proportionate response'.

These developments follow Islamabad's recent declaration of 'open war' against the Afghan Taliban administration, which came after renewed clashes at the border. Pakistan had conducted airstrikes in Kabul and Kandahar shortly after Afghan forces retaliated against Pakistani troops earlier in the week.

The Afghan statement reiterated its warning, asserting that any additional violations of Afghan airspace or 'acts of aggression' by Pakistan would be met with a 'swift, decisive, and proportionate response'.

The Nur Khan Airbase, a vital installation for the Pakistan Air Force near Rawalpindi, had previously been targeted during India's Operation Sindoor in May 2025, which resulted in damage to some infrastructure at the base.

In a further escalation, the Taliban claimed responsibility for the deaths of 32 Pakistani soldiers in what they described as retaliatory strikes carried out overnight, according to reports from Afghanistan-based TOLO news.

The ministry indicated that operations were executed by the 203 Mansouri, 201 Silab, and 205 Al-Badr Corps, leading to not only fatalities but also injuries to 10 Pakistani soldiers and the destruction of four military outposts.

The deputy spokesperson for the ministry mentioned that Afghan forces also managed to shoot down two drones belonging to the Pakistani military.

Sediqullah Nasrat, the deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, stated, 'The country's defence forces launched offensive operations last night using laser weapons and advanced equipment against the enemy in Nangarhar, Paktia, Khost, and Kandahar, led by the 203 Mansouri, 201 Khalid bin Walid, and 205 Al-Badr Corps.'