Bureau (27 February 2026): Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have escalated after Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry claimed it launched a retaliatory military operation following recent Pakistani attacks along the border.
According to Afghan authorities, security forces shot down a Pakistani JF-17 fighter jet that allegedly entered Afghan airspace. Afghan media reports, citing security sources, also claimed that Taliban air defence systems may have intercepted the aircraft. Several Taliban-linked media accounts have echoed the claim, though there has been no independent confirmation from Pakistan.
In a statement, the Defence Ministry of Afghanistan’s Islamic Emirate said the operation targeted Pakistani military positions near the Durand Line and concluded around noon under the direction of Army Chief Fasihuddin Fitrat. Afghan officials claimed that 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed, with several bodies recovered and some personnel reportedly taken captive.
The ministry further stated that Afghan forces captured two military headquarters and 19 checkpoints during the operation. Afghan authorities also acknowledged casualties on their side, reporting that eight soldiers were killed and 11 others injured.
Afghan officials alleged that a Pakistani airstrike on a temporary camp in Torkham injured 13 civilians, including women and children, prompting the retaliatory action. The ministry described the operation as a response to recent Pakistani aerial attacks inside Afghan territory.
Reacting to the developments, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari said the country would not compromise on peace and territorial integrity, warning that any threat would receive a decisive response. He emphasised that Pakistan’s military actions would remain firm against challenges to national security.
Meanwhile, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that operations had also been launched against Pakistani security checkpoints along the Durand Line in Kandahar and Helmand. He further accused Pakistan of carrying out bombardments in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia following earlier retaliatory strikes, although he claimed the attacks did not result in significant damage.
The situation remains tense, with both sides exchanging accusations and the risk of further escalation continuing along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
