The Taliban government forces have launched “retaliatory” attacks on Pakistani military posts along the Durand Line, citing repeated provocations and violations by Pakistani military circles.
Response follows recent Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan targetting civilians
The situation remains tense, with both sides exchanging fire and accusations. China and Russia have urged both countries to halt hostilities and seek talks.
The conflict escalated after Pakistan conducted “targeted” air strikes in two Afghan provinces, claiming to target militant hideouts. The Taliban has denied Pakistan’s allegations, stating that they do not allow any group to use their territory to attack another country.
The Taliban government forces launched “retaliatory” attacks on Pakistani army posts along the Durand Line on February 27, 2026, in response to Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory. The attacks were reportedly carried out in sectors including Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram, and Bajaur, with both sides reporting heavy losses.
According to reports, Pakistani forces had conducted airstrikes on Taliban military installations and posts in Kabul, Kandahar, and other towns, claiming to target militant camps and infrastructure. The Taliban responded with attacks on Pakistani border posts, claiming to have killed 55 Pakistani soldiers and seized 19 military posts.
The conflict has led to a significant escalation in tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with both sides accusing each other of harboring militants and violating sovereignty.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif declared “open war” on the Taliban, while the Taliban government called for dialogue to resolve the issue.
The Afghan response
Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that the attacks began on Thursday night along the Durand Line, resulting in the killing and capture of “many” Pakistani soldiers.
The Pakistani Prime Minister’s spokesperson for foreign media, Maroof Zaidi, has denied these claims, calling the Taliban’s statement about capturing Pakistani military posts “incorrect.” Zaydi stated that Pakistani counter-attacks have inflicted “heavy losses” on the Afghan side.
Afghan Taliban officials described Thursday night’s attacks as “retaliation” for Pakistani airstrikes in Paktika, Khost, and Nangarhar earlier this week, which they claim killed at least eight civilians. Islamabad maintains they targeted militant camps and hideouts.
Taliban military spokesperson Molvi Waheedullah Mujahid says the “retaliatory operations” began around 8 pm local time on Thursday.
Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted: “In response to repeated aggression and obstinacy by Pakistan’s military, extensive offensive operations have begun on Pakistani military centers and installations along the Durand Line.” He claimed Taliban forces have captured 15 military posts.
Pakistan-Taliban going head to head
The Pakistani government says the Taliban has “miscalculated and initiated unprovoked firing in various areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” but Pakistan’s security forces have given a “firm and effective response”.
Pakistan’s Information Ministry stated in a post on X: “Initial reports indicate that the Afghan side has suffered heavy losses, with several posts and equipment destroyed.”
The Pakistani Information Ministry stated in a post on X: “Initial reports indicate the Afghan side has suffered heavy losses, with several posts and equipment destroyed.”
The statement added: “Pakistan will take all necessary steps to ensure its territorial integrity and the safety and security of its people.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s spokesperson, Maroof Zaidi, denied claims of Pakistani losses, saying any aggression will be met with a “firm and effective” response.
Kabul had previously warned it would take “retaliatory action at an appropriate time” in response to Pakistani attacks in various Afghan regions earlier this week.
Islamabad said it targeted seven camps and hideouts of suspected militants near the Durand Line, following recent suicide bombings in Pakistan.
Kabul claims civilian homes and a religious school were targeted, with women and children among the casualties. The latest clashes come after a fragile ceasefire agreed upon in October, following deadly skirmishes, though sporadic incidents have continued.
The Taliban government spokesperson told BBC that Afghan forces captured 15 security posts along the Durand Line, and 10 Pakistani soldiers’ bodies, along with some live captives, were taken to Kunar. Pakistani officials haven’t commented on this claim, but say they’ve engaged Taliban forces in Momand, Bajaur, and other areas.
Eyewitnesses in Kunar’s Narai district say Taliban forces approached Pakistani security posts in the Dokalam area near Chitral, with heavy and light gunfire heard in the surrounding areas. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted: “In response to Pakistan’s military aggression, extensive offensive operations have begun on Pakistani military centers and installations along the Durand Line.”
