Tensions Escalate as Pakistan Claims Heavy Taliban Casualties
Tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban have escalated following claims of significant casualties on both sides. Pakistan's military reports the deaths of 274 Taliban fighters, while the Taliban asserts it has killed 55 Pakistani soldiers. Conflicting narratives complicate the verification of these claims. As military operations intensify, both governments are on high alert, with Pakistan's Prime Minister warning of aggressive intentions and the Taliban claiming successful operations. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for regional stability.
| Feb 27, 2026, 20:21 IST
Pakistan's Military Claims Significant Taliban Losses
Pakistan has reportedly asserted that its recent military operations resulted in the deaths of 274 Afghan Taliban fighters, with numerous others injured. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned Kabul of escalating tensions, stating that the military possesses the capability to 'crush any aggressive intentions.' Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif indicated that the limits of patience have been reached, cautioning that open conflict between the two sides is imminent. Journalists from a news agency reported fresh gunfire and shelling near the Torkham border crossing. Sounds of gunfire were heard from the Afghan side around 9:30 AM on Friday, followed by retaliatory fire across the border. ये खबर आप गज़ब वायरल में पढ़ रहे हैं। According to reports from a local media outlet, Pakistani Air Force jets are patrolling the skies over Afghanistan's Kandahar region. Security sources stated, 'The Pakistani armed forces are fully prepared for any attack and have the capability to respond decisively.'
Conflicting Reports on Casualty Figures
Conflicting Reports on Casualty Figures
Both sides have provided starkly different accounts of the events. The Taliban government confirmed the airstrikes on Friday, with spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claiming that Afghan forces killed 55 Pakistani soldiers, while reporting 13 casualties among their own ranks. In contrast, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, head of the Pakistani military's public relations wing, ISPR, informed reporters that '274 members and militants of the Taliban government' were killed, alongside 12 Pakistani soldiers. Verifying the casualty claims from both sides remains challenging.
Taliban Claims to Have Killed Pakistani Soldiers
Taliban Claims to Have Killed Pakistani Soldiers
In a press release on Friday, the Taliban stated that they had killed at least 55 Pakistani soldiers during overnight operations. The Afghan government also claimed to have captured two Pakistani army bases. According to a Taliban statement, a total of 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed, and they seized control of two bases and 19 posts. These attacks targeted Pakistani military forces near the Durand Line, in the provinces of Paktika, Paktia, Khost, Nangarhar, Kunar, and Nuristan. The operations were said to have achieved their intended objectives, and fighting ceased at midnight under the orders of the Chief of General Staff of the Islamic Emirate.
Pakistan Claims Drone Attack Foiled
Islamabad has reported that its security forces thwarted a drone attack in Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the district police officer.