Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities said Wednesday they carried out major retaliatory attacks against Pakistani military positions across the Durand Line, saying 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed, as tensions between Kabul and Pakistan sharply escalated following airstrikes that the United Nations says killed civilians inside Afghanistan.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of National Defense of the Taliban government in Afghanistan, officials said the operation began at 8 p.m. on 26 February, targeting Pakistani military posts along eastern and southeastern sectors of the Durand Line.
The ministry described the assault as retaliation for violations of Afghan airspace and the killing of women and children in recent Pakistani airstrikes. It said fighting lasted approximately four hours and ended at midnight on the order of the Taliban chief of army staff.
The statement claimed 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed, two bases and 19 military posts were captured or destroyed, and additional posts were abandoned. It also said a Pakistani tank was destroyed, a military transport vehicle seized, and weapons and ammunition captured. Eight Taliban fighters were reported killed and several others wounded.
The escalation follows airstrikes carried out by Pakistani forces late on 21 February and into the early hours of 22 February. In a statement issued on 23 February, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan said it had received credible reports of civilian casualties resulting from Pakistani air operations.
According to UNAMA, airstrikes in Behsud and Khogyani districts of Nangarhar province killed at least 13 civilians and injured seven others, including women and children. Additional strikes in Barmal district of Paktika province hit a madrassa and partially damaged a nearby mosque, while another strike in Urgun district damaged a vacant residential house. No civilian casualties were reported in those two incidents.
Later Wednesday, Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on X that Pakistani forces had carried out additional airstrikes in certain areas of Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia, adding that no casualties had been reported.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister has declared an “open war” with Afghanistan, saying Islamabad’s patience has run out after recent clashes and strikes.
Taliban Spokesman Says Pakistani Strikes Kill Civilians in Kandahar and Kunar
Taliban deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat said that at around 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Anzargi Camp — a temporary settlement for forcibly returned refugees in the Takhte Pul area of Kandahar — was struck by a Pakistani airstrike. He said three refugees were killed and seven others wounded in the attack.
Fitrat also stated that last night Pakistani forces targeted civilian homes in the Dandano Bili area near Asadabad, the center of Kunar province, using long-range artillery. According to him, seven civilians, including women and children, were killed and one person injured.
He further claimed that in Naray district around 10 p.m., mortar and artillery fire in mountainous areas killed four local residents, including one woman, and wounded five others.
Defense Ministry Confirms Downing of Pakistani Jet in Nangarhar
The Ministry of Defense of the Taliban government has confirmed that Taliban forces shot down a Pakistani fighter jet in Nangarhar province and captured its pilot alive.
The ministry said the jet was brought down during ongoing clashes, and the pilot is now in custody.
Pakistani Fighter Jet Shot Down in Nangarhar, Pilot Captured
Local sources in Nangarhar say a Pakistani fighter jet was shot down by Taliban in Police District 6 of Jalalabad city, the provincial capital, on Friday.
Sources added that the pilot was captured alive by the Taliban following the incident.
BREAKING NEWS Nine Civilians Killed in Pakistani Airstrikes in Kunar Province
At least nine civilians were killed and four others wounded after Pakistani airstrikes targeted residential homes in Asadabad city, the capital of Kunar province, late last night around 10:30 p.m.
Local sources told The Afghan Times that the strikes hit civilian houses, and all the victims were ordinary residents.
The airstrikes also caused significant property damage in the area.
So far, more than 50 civilians have been killed in Pakistani airstrikes across Afghanistan, according to Taliban officials. Authorities confirmed 18 civilians killed in Nangarhar, 19 in Khost and Paktika, and 9 in Kunar. Dozens more have been wounded, including women and children.
UN Chief Deeply Concerned by Escalating Violence Between Afghanistan and Pakistan
The United Nations Secretary-General has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the Secretary-General is “deeply concerned by the escalating violence” and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. He urged all sides to avoid further escalation and prioritize dialogue to reduce tensions.
EU Calls for Immediate De-escalation Between Afghanistan and Pakistan
The European Union has called for an immediate halt to hostilities following the sharp increase in violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan, including cross-border attacks and reported strikes over the past 24 hours. The EU warned that the escalation could have serious regional consequences.
In a statement, the EU urged all sides to respect international and humanitarian law, ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and take all precautions to prevent further harm.
Jordan Expresses Concern Over Pakistan–Afghanistan Border Clashes
Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said it is closely monitoring with concern the ongoing border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which have resulted in casualties and injuries.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Ambassador Fouad Al-Majali, affirmed Jordan’s support for diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving disputes through peaceful means. He stressed the need for restraint, dialogue, respect for state sovereignty, and good neighborly relations to promote security and stability in the region.
UAE Expresses Concern Over Pakistan–Afghanistan Clashes
The United Arab Emirates has expressed concern over the renewed military clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, calling for restraint and an end to escalation.
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged both sides to prioritize wisdom and dialogue, and to resolve differences through diplomatic means in order to strengthen security and stability in South Asia. The UAE reaffirmed its support for efforts aimed at promoting dialogue and confidence-building between the two countries in pursuit of peace and development.
U.S. Expresses Support for Pakistan Amid Conflict with Taliban
U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker said she spoke with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Baloch to express condolences for lives lost in the recent conflict between Pakistan and the Taliban.
In a post on X, she said the United States continues to monitor the situation closely and expressed support for Pakistan’s right to defend itself against Taliban attacks.
Trump Comments on Afghanistan-Pakistan tensions
Former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on Pakistan’s role as tensions escalate with Afghanistan. Asked whether he would intervene, Trump said he “would,” but praised Pakistan’s leadership, saying the country has “a great Prime Minister, a great general, a great leader” and that Pakistan is “doing terrifically well.”
UN Calls for Immediate Cessation of Violence Between Afghanistan and Pakistan
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan and its impact on civilians. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged both countries to resolve their differences through diplomacy.
Echoing this, Richard Bennett, the UN Human Rights Council’s independent expert on Afghanistan, warned that rising tensions are increasing risks and difficulties for Afghans returning to their country.
BREAKING NEWS Pakistan Airstrikes Kill 19 Civilians in Khost and Paktika on Friday, Taliban Says
The Taliban’s Deputy Spokesperson, Hamdullah Fitrat, said that Pakistani forces have targeted civilian homes in Khost and Paktika provinces, killing 19 people and injuring 26 others.
He added that the majority of the victims were women and children.
ICRC Calls for Restraint Amid Afghanistan-Pakistan Clashes
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) urged restraint as hostilities escalate between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric said civilians, the wounded, and those not participating in fighting must be protected, and hospitals must remain operational. “These are not privileges. They are obligations under international humanitarian law,” she added.
The ICRC, with the Afghan and Pakistan Red Crescent Societies, is preparing humanitarian support for health facilities treating those injured in the clashes, but stressed that no aid can replace political will to respect the rules of war and de-escalate tensions.
Pakistani Army Shells Torkham Returnee Camp, Wounds Civilians
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) expressed deep concern over escalating violence along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border. “We are greatly concerned by reports of armed clashes between Pakistan and Afghan authorities in multiple provinces, and airstrikes in Kabul and other areas,” the group said.
The NRC said Omari camp, a temporary transit site for Afghan returnees from Pakistan at Torkham border, had been affected. “Civilians have been injured, and families living near border areas are at risk of displacement,” the statement added.
The organization called on all parties to protect civilians and prevent further harm. “Civilians must never be a target,” it said.
UK Advises Against Travel to Parts of Pakistan Amid Security Risks
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has warned its citizens against all travel to areas near the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, Balochistan, and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing heightened tensions, cross-border clashes, and security threats. Travel is also discouraged in parts of Punjab, Sindh, and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
The FCDO highlighted security concerns at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi and warned that travel insurance may be invalidated if citizens travel against official advice. Britons in Pakistan are urged to stay indoors, monitor developments, and prepare to leave the country if possible, as consular support could be severely limited.
What We Know So Far Escalation After Afghanistan & Pakistan’s Deadly Airstrikes
- Pakistani airstrikes killed at least 18 civilians, including women and children, when a residential home of one family was hit in Nangarhar province on Saturday Night — one of the deadliest civilian losses in recent clashes. Afghan authorities say 18 members of the family were killed in the strike.
- Taliban Launch Retaliatory Attacks Along Durand Line, Taliban said the operation began at 8:00 p.m. on 26 February, targeting Pakistani military posts along the eastern and southeastern sectors of the Durand Line. The ministry described the assault as retaliation for violations of Afghan airspace and the killing of women and children in recent Pakistani airstrikes, adding that the fighting lasted about four hours and ended at midnight on the order of the army chief.
- Pakistan has carried out airstrikes on Afghan cities, including Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia, marking a major escalation in the conflict. Islamabad’s defence minister has described the situation as “open war” against Afghanistan.
- Second Wave of Retaliatory Operations Launched, local sources told The Afghan Times that Taliban forces have begun a second wave of retaliatory operations against Pakistani military posts in Khost and Paktika provinces.
Second Wave of Retaliatory Operations Launched in Paktia
Local sources told The Afghan Times that Taliban forces have begun a second wave of retaliatory operations against Pakistani military posts in Dand Patan district of Paktia province.
Sources said Pakistani forces fired mortar rounds into civilian areas there.
BREAKING NEWS New Wave of Retaliatory Attacks Reported Along Khost Border
The spokesperson for the governor of Khost, Mustaghfar Gurbaz, said Taliban forces have launched a new wave of retaliatory attacks on Pakistani military posts along the Durand Line.
He stated that the operations are taking place in Zazi Maidan and Ali Sher – Terezai districts in Khost province.
Taliban’s Foreign Minister Talks to Turkey on Pakistan Tensions
Afghanistan’s Taliban Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, spoke with Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, about the recent situation with Pakistan.
Muttaqi said Taliban’s security forces acted to protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He emphasized that Afghanistan favors peaceful solutions, while Turkey praised this stance and pledged to support efforts to reduce tensions.
Qatar Talks with Pakistan on De-escalation
Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, held a phone call with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, to discuss ways to de-escalate tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
During the call, both sides emphasized promoting regional security and stability. Qatar reaffirmed its full support for efforts to resolve conflicts peacefully and strengthen the foundations of peace and stability at regional and international levels.
U.S. Says It Is Closely Monitoring Taliban-Pakistan Clashes
The U.S. Mission to Afghanistan advised its citizens that Pakistani airstrikes on Kabul, Paktia, and Kandahar, along with ongoing border clashes, make the country extremely dangerous. The mission added that the strikes have targeted Afghan cities and civilians, forcing border closures and putting residents at risk.
“We are aware of the recent escalation in tensions and outbreak of fighting between the Taliban and Pakistan, and we continue to monitor the situation closely,” the U.S. Mission said. Americans are urged to leave if possible and avoid areas near Pakistan.
UK Calls for De-escalation Between Afghanistan and Pakistan
Yvette Cooper, UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, wrote on X former twitter that the United Kingdom is “deeply concerned by the significant escalation in tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.”
She urged both sides to take immediate steps to de-escalate, avoid further harm to civilians, and return to mediated dialogue.
“Our Hand Can Reach Their Necks,” Says Taliban Spokesperson
Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid warned that if Pakistan continues its military actions, the forces of the Islamic Emirate “also have the ability to take decisive action against it.”
Speaking at a press conference, Mujahid said Pakistan had “repeatedly demanded” a ceasefire last night. He added, “We have targeted important military targets in Pakistan, and this sends a message that our hand can reach their necks.”
Three Civilians Killed in Pakistani Airstrikes in Paktika
Last night, Pakistani airstrikes targeted a home near the Angur Ada area of Barmal district in Paktika province. The attack killed three civilians, including two children, and left eight others injured, including women and children.
Pakistan Confirms Taliban Targeted Cities with Drones
Pakistan’s Information Minister, Ataullah Tarar, wrote on X that the Afghan Taliban launched drones at Abbottabad, Swabi, and Nowshera. He added that all drones were intercepted and no casualties were reported.
Saudi Arabia Received Phone Call from Pakistan Amid Border Tensions
According to the Saudi Press Agency, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on 27 February 2026.
During the call, the two discussed regional developments and ways to reduce tensions while safeguarding “security and stability.” The conversation comes amid escalating cross-border attacks by Pakistan that have killed Afghan civilians, including 18 members of a single family in Nangarhar province.
Pakistan Claims “Response” to Afghanistan, Tells Saudi and Turkey
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, told Saudi and Turkish counterparts that its military carried out operations along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border, describing it as a response to “unprovoked Afghan aggression.”
The statements come amid escalating cross-border attacks that have already killed Afghan civilians, including 18 members of a single family in Nangarhar
UN Expert Calls for Calm Amid Pakistan–Afghanistan Violence
The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, has called for restraint and the protection of civilians as tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalate into violence.
In a statement, Bennett urged all parties to respect international human rights and humanitarian law, stressing that civilians must be protected. He said the current tensions have “very regrettably flowed into violence” and emphasized that immediate de-escalation is essential.
Norway Advises Citizens to Stay Alert Amid Afghanistan–Pakistan Tensions
The Norwegian Embassy in Islamabad on Friday urged Norwegian citizens to remain vigilant as tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to escalate.
In a statement shared through the “Reiseklar” platform, the embassy advised Norwegian nationals in both countries to stay updated on the situation.
Norwegian authorities said updated information and guidance will be sent directly to all registered citizens.
Taliban Defense Ministry Claims Airstrikes on Pakistani Military Sites
The Ministry of National Defense of the Taliban government said that at approximately 11:00 a.m. today, its Air Force carried out coordinated airstrikes targeting what it described as Pakistani military sites, including a camp near Islamabad, a base in Nowshera, positions in Jamrud, and additional locations in Abbottabad.
The ministry said the operation struck key military bases, command centers, and strategic facilities, calling it a successful response to alleged Pakistani aerial incursions the previous night in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia.
Karzai Urges Policy Change After New Airstrikes
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Pakistani jets had once again bombed Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia, calling on Afghans to remain united in defending the country.
In a post on X, Karzai said Afghans would defend their homeland “under all circumstances” and would respond to force “with courage.” He added that Pakistan could not resolve problems “it has created itself” through violence and bombardment, and urged Islamabad to change its policy and pursue good neighborly relations, mutual respect and civilized engagement with Afghanistan.
Taliban Launches Second Retaliation After Pakistani Airstrike
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid posted on X that following airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar, and other provinces, extensive retaliatory operations were reportedly carried out against Pakistani military positions in Kandahar and Helmand provinces.
