War – Pakistan Declares Open Conflict After Afghanistan Airstrikes
War – The fragile security balance between Afghanistan and Pakistan deteriorated sharply on Friday after Pakistan carried out air operations in multiple Afghan provinces, prompting a declaration of “open war” by Islamabad and a strong response from Kabul.
Airstrikes Trigger Escalation
Pakistan confirmed that its forces conducted airstrikes in parts of Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, marking one of the most serious escalations between the two neighboring countries in recent months. The strikes significantly heightened tensions along the long-disputed frontier separating the two nations.
Shortly after the operation, Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, issued a forceful statement on social media platform X. He accused Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government of providing safe haven to militant groups and exporting instability into Pakistan.
Asif said Islamabad had exercised restraint for an extended period but could no longer tolerate cross-border threats. He criticized the Taliban administration for failing to deliver peace following the withdrawal of NATO forces and alleged that extremist elements had regrouped inside Afghanistan.
Kabul Denounces ‘Cowardly’ Action
Afghanistan swiftly condemned the strikes. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid described the air operations as a “cowardly” act carried out by the Pakistani military. In his statement, he said the targeted areas included parts of Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, adding that no casualties had been reported at the time of the announcement.
The sharp exchange of accusations reflects the growing strain between Islamabad and the Taliban-led administration in Kabul, particularly over security concerns along the Durand Line — the border drawn during British rule in the 19th century. The boundary has remained a contentious issue for decades, with Afghanistan historically disputing its legitimacy.
Retaliatory Claims Along the Durand Line
Afghanistan’s Ministry of National Defence stated that its forces carried out retaliatory operations along the Durand Line late Thursday evening. According to an official release, the action began at approximately 8:00 PM on February 26, corresponding with the 9th day of Ramadan.
The ministry alleged that Pakistani forces had previously violated Afghan territory, resulting in civilian casualties, including women and children. In response, Afghan forces reportedly launched counter-operations targeting Pakistani military positions near the border.
The statement claimed that 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed during the retaliation. Afghan authorities also reported capturing two military bases and 19 posts along the frontier.
Pakistan Announces Counter-Operation
Pakistan, however, presented a sharply different account. According to local broadcaster ARY News, Islamabad initiated a military campaign named “Ghazab Lil Haq” targeting Taliban positions.
A spokesperson for the Pakistani Prime Minister, Mosharraf Zaidi, said that 133 Taliban fighters had been killed and more than 200 wounded during the operation. He further claimed that 27 Taliban posts were destroyed and nine others taken over by Pakistani forces.
These competing narratives highlight the absence of independent verification and underscore the difficulty in confirming battlefield figures amid rapidly evolving conditions.
Longstanding Border Dispute
The latest escalation comes against the backdrop of persistent mistrust between the two governments. Islamabad has repeatedly accused Kabul of failing to curb militant groups operating near the frontier, while Afghan authorities have rejected those allegations and accused Pakistan of violating Afghan sovereignty.
The Durand Line has long been a flashpoint, dividing communities and tribal regions across rugged terrain. Periodic clashes and diplomatic friction have punctuated relations between the two countries, but the current exchange marks one of the most severe confrontations in recent years.
Security analysts warn that continued hostilities could destabilize an already volatile region. Both countries face internal challenges, and sustained military conflict risks further displacement, humanitarian strain, and broader regional repercussions.
As tensions remain high, the international community is closely monitoring developments, urging restraint and dialogue to prevent further deterioration of relations between the two neighbors.