Afganistan launched military strikes against Pakistani troops along the border on Thursday, February 26, 2026, and claimed to have captured Pakistani posts, according to Taliban government and military officials. The operation represents a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations.
The Afghan military action followed Pakistani airstrikes in the provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika on Saturday and Sunday, February 22nd and 23rd, which the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) reported resulted in at least 13 civilian deaths. “In response to the repeated violations by the Pakistani army, large-scale offensive operations were launched against military bases and facilities” of Pakistan, Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information responded on X, stating that Afghanistan’s actions met with an “immediate and effective response.” Details of that response were not immediately available.
Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have sharply deteriorated in recent months. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of failing to act against militant groups operating within its borders and carrying out attacks on Pakistani territory. The Taliban government has consistently denied these accusations.
Border clashes in October 2025 resulted in the deaths of dozens of soldiers, civilians, and suspected militants. Those incidents followed explosions in Kabul, which Afghan authorities attributed to Pakistan. Major border crossings have remained closed since then, disrupting trade and movement between the two countries.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern over the cross-border clashes, urging both sides to adhere to international law and ensure the protection of civilians, according to a statement released on Thursday by his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric. Guterres also praised the mediation efforts of several member states in recent months and called for continued diplomatic engagement to resolve differences.
The current escalation represents the most deadly crisis between the neighbors since 2021, when the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of U.S. And NATO forces after 20 years of war. The situation remains fluid, and the impact on the recently declared ceasefire is currently unclear. As of Thursday evening, Islamabad had not issued a formal response to the latest accusations from Kabul.
