[Have a correction or additional information? Email us by clicking here.](mailto:[email protected]?subject=Corrections:%2020260303183910) [ Wiki Loves Ramadan 2026 Tell the world about Ramadan traditions! Join the global campaign to bridge knowledge gaps about Islamic history and culture.  Participate Now ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Wiki_Loves_Ramadan_2026) On 21 February 2026, the [Pakistan Air Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistan_Air_Force "Pakistan Air Force") (PAF) conducted [airstrikes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Pakistani_airstrikes_in_Afghanistan "2026 Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan") over the provinces of [Nangarhar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nangarhar_Province "Nangarhar Province"), [Paktika](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paktika_Province "Paktika Province"), and [Khost](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khost_Province "Khost Province") [^23] in Afghanistan with the stated aim of targeting seven alleged militant camps belonging to the [Pakistani Taliban](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistani_Taliban "Pakistani Taliban") (TTP) and the [Islamic State – Khorasan Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_State_%E2%80%93_Khorasan_Province "Islamic State – Khorasan Province") (ISIS–K) in retaliation for recent terrorist attacks in [Islamabad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamabad "Islamabad"), [Bajaur](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Bajaur_attack "2026 Bajaur attack"), and [Bannu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bannu "Bannu"). Pakistan blamed the Afghan government for facilitating the attacks. Afghan officials stated that the airstrikes targeted civilian targets and religious centres and resulted in 18 civilian fatalities in Nangarhar province.[^24] [^25] [^26] [^23] Pakistani officials denied targeting civilians in Afghanistan, while *[The Express Tribune](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Express_Tribune "The Express Tribune")*, citing military sources, reported 80 militant fatalities.[^16] [^27] [UNAMA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Assistance_Mission_in_Afghanistan "United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan") confirmed civilian casualties; Afghanistan condemned the airstrikes and vowed a calculated response to the aggression.[^28] [^29] On 26 February 2026, Afghanistan launched a retaliatory operation against Pakistan, engaging in border clashes and drone attacks on Pakistan. In response, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab Lil Haq [^3] against the Taliban.[^30] [^31] This operation followed an escalation in border skirmishes and cross-border firing incidents along the [Durand Line](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durand_Line "Durand Line"), involving the [Afghan Taliban](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghan_Taliban "Afghan Taliban") and [Pakistani security forces](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistani_security_forces "Pakistani security forces").[^32] The following day, Pakistan announced a state of "open war" with Afghanistan, escalating its airstrikes and striking targets throughout Afghanistan, including the capital of [Kabul](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabul "Kabul").[^33] ## Background The conflict occurred against the backdrop of [long-running tensions](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghanistan%E2%80%93Pakistan_border_skirmishes "Afghanistan–Pakistan border skirmishes") between Pakistan and the Taliban government of Afghanistan, centred on Pakistan's accusations that Afghan soil is used as a safe haven by the [Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tehreek-e-Taliban_Pakistan "Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan") (TTP) and other militants to launch attacks inside Pakistan.[^29] [^34] A fragile ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, was agreed in October 2025 after the deadliest cross-border clashes in years,[^29] [^34] [^35] but subsequent talks failed to produce a lasting agreement and low-level incidents continued.[^29] [^34] The operation took place days after the Saudi Arabian mediated release of three Pakistani soldiers captured during the October 2025 clashes.[^25]  Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (second from left) visiting Khadija Tul Kubra Mosque in Islamabad on 12 February 2026, following a suicide attack six days prior that Pakistan blamed on Afghanistan On 11 February 2026, Pakistani Defence Minister [Khawaja Asif](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khawaja_Asif "Khawaja Asif") warned that Pakistan may take action against militants in Afghanistan before the start of the Islamic month of [Ramadan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan "Ramadan") if the Taliban did not curb militant activity from its territory.[^36] February saw multiple terror attacks in Pakistan, notably [a series of attacks throughout the province of Balochistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Balochistan_attacks "2026 Balochistan attacks") over the course of a week from 29 January to 5 February by the [Balochistan Liberation Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balochistan_Liberation_Army "Balochistan Liberation Army"), [a suicide bombing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Islamabad_mosque_bombing "2026 Islamabad mosque bombing") at a Shia mosque on 6 February by the [Islamic State](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_State "Islamic State") 's [Pakistan Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_State_Pakistan_Province "Islamic State Pakistan Province") in the capital city of [Islamabad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamabad "Islamabad") which killed 36 people, and [an attack on a checkpoint in Bajaur](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Bajaur_attack "2026 Bajaur attack") on 16 February by the [Pakistani Taliban](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistani_Taliban "Pakistani Taliban") which killed 11 soldiers and a child. In response to the latter, the Pakistani government issued a [démarche](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C3%A9marche "Démarche") to the Afghan ambassador on 19 February.[^37] [^38] [^39] A warning followed that Pakistan "would not hesitate" to launch air operations inside Afghanistan if the Taliban government did not take action against militant groups using its territory.[^40] [^41] [^42] ## Conflict ### Airstrikes During the late hours of 21 February, local sources in Afghanistan reported airstrikes in parts of [Nangarhar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nangarhar_Province "Nangarhar Province"), [Paktika](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paktika_Province "Paktika Province"), and [Khost](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khost_Province "Khost Province") provinces. In Nangarhar, the strikes were reported in [Bihsud](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bihsud_District "Bihsud District") and [Khogyani](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khogyani_District "Khogyani District") districts, while in Paktika they were reported in Barmal and Urgun districts. Local sources also reported strikes in parts of Khost province, though no further details were provided. Local sources report that the airstrikes in Bihsud district of Nangarhar province struck a civilian home, trapping 23 people beneath the rubble.[^23] In a late-night press release, Pakistani officials confirmed that the Pakistan Air Force had carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan. Officials said the strikes were selective and intelligence-based, and targeted seven militant camps and hideouts linked to the [Pakistani Taliban](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistani_Taliban "Pakistani Taliban") and [Islamic State Khorasan Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_State_Khorasan_Province "Islamic State Khorasan Province") near the Pakistan–Afghanistan border. Pakistan's officials also added that the strikes were in retaliation to the recent terror attacks in Islamabad, Bajaur, and [Bannu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bannu "Bannu").[^43] [^16] A Pakistani newspaper, citing military sources, reported that the seven TTP hideouts in Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost provinces were destroyed and that more than 80 militants were killed;[^16] however, Taliban officials in Afghanistan stated that airstrikes took place in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. They said an airstrike in Bihsud District killed 18 civilians, including 11 children. Afghan Taliban officials also condemned the airstrikes and warned of calculated response at an appropriate time.[^22] [^44] Shayesteh Jan Ahadi, former head of the Paktia Provincial Council, stated that Pakistani airstrikes in several districts were very widespread and powerful.[^45] The [UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UN_Assistance_Mission_in_Afghanistan "UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan") (UNAMA) reported that Pakistan carried out airstrikes between 11:45 p.m. on 21 February and 12:15 a.m. on 22 February. UNAMA also reported that airstrikes in Paktika province damaged or destroyed infrastructure. On 23 February, UNAMA confirmed that over thirteen civilians had been killed by the Pakistani airstrikes, with an additional seven injured.[^21] [^46] ### Continued hostilities #### 24 February On 24 February, the hostilities resumed as both countries exchanged fire along their borders while both sides blamed each other for provocations. Zabihullah Noorani, head of the Afghan information department in eastern Nangarhar, stated that Pakistani troops carried out the first shots in the Shahkot area near the border.[^47] #### 26 February On 26 February, at around 20:00 local time (15:30 GMT), Taliban-led Afghanistan's officials announced the launch of what they described as a "retaliatory operation" along the border in the provinces of Nangarhar, Nuristan, Kunar, Khost, Paktia, and Paktika.[^48] As per the Taliban officials, 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed and that several others were captured. Taliban-led Afghanistan's officials further added that one military headquarters and 19 border outposts had been captured, while 4 border outposts were destroyed during the operation.[^49] [Zabihullah Mujahid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zabihullah_Mujahid "Zabihullah Mujahid") named seven of the border outposts that Taliban officials said to have captured. According to reports, the outposts were located inside Afghanistan, and it remained unclear how border outpost belonging to Pakistani forces were located on Afghan soil.[^50] At midnight local time (19:30 GMT), the Taliban-led Afghan Ministry of Defense announced the end of its four-hour operation. Pakistani officials rejected Taliban claims and stated that military action against Taliban forces was continuing. They further added that the attack had been repulsed, that the Taliban had suffered heavy losses, and that two Pakistani soldiers had been killed and three other were injured during the four-hour engagement.[^51] In response to Taliban's operation, Pakistan launched operation Ghazab Lil Haq and carried out air and ground strikes against Afghan Taliban positions in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia and Nangarhar.[^52] [Faisal Karim Kundi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faisal_Karim_Kundi "Faisal Karim Kundi"), governor of [Khyber Pakhtunkhwa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khyber_Pakhtunkhwa "Khyber Pakhtunkhwa"), stated that Afghan Taliban started the war and Pakistan will be the one to end it,[^53] while [Khawaja Asif](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khawaja_Asif "Khawaja Asif"), Pakistan's defense minister, announced the start of 'open war' between the two countries.[^54] Pakistani officials stated that around 133 Taliban fighters were killed and more than 200 injured during the clashes and subsequent operation. They further added that the airstrikes destroyed two corps headquarters, three brigade headquarters, two ammunition depots, one logistics base, three battalion headquarters, two sector headquarters, and more than 80 tanks, artillery pieces, and APCs (armoured personnel carriers). Pakistani officials also said that 27 border posts held by Taliban forces were destroyed and nine were captured.[^55] Taliban spokesperson [Zabihullah Mujahid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zabihullah_Mujahid "Zabihullah Mujahid") confirmed airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, and several other locations, and stated that these airstrikes did not cause any casualty.[^56] The Taliban spokesperson also announced on X (formerly Twitter) that Taliban forces had responded to the airstrikes with attacks against Pakistani troops along the border, although the post was later deleted.[^57] In Kabul, residents reported that airstrikes struck an ammunition depot near [Darulaman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darulaman "Darulaman"), triggering hours of secondary explosions that rattled homes across the capital.[^58] [^59] Residents also reported hearing sound of many ambulance sirens following the airstrike on ammunition depot.[^54] Satellite imagery released by [Planet Labs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planet_Labs "Planet Labs") showed damage to two location Kabul which are 400 meters apart. In [Gardez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardez "Gardez"), scorch marks and damage to four buildings at a military base belonging to Taliban forces was visible from satellite imagery. Data from [NASA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA "NASA") also indicated a significant heat signature at the military base, suggesting that a sizeable fire had taken place at the site overnight.[^18] In Kandahar, Pakistan's officials released aerial footage of a large explosion at an ammunition depot near [Kandahar International Airport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kandahar_International_Airport "Kandahar International Airport"). [BBC News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_News "BBC News"), using satellite imagery, confirmed the location of ammunition depot in Kandahar. In Paktika, a video shared on social media showed smoke rising from a Taliban military base in the Urgun District. BBC News confirmed the location by matching roads and a distinctive foreground building with satellite imagery.[^19] Analysts at Maiar, an intelligence firm, stated that Pakistan's strikes on buildings and other infrastructure in Afghanistan appeared to be largely confined to military sites. They said that one of the buildings struck in Kabul appeared to be a military headquarters or command-and-control centre, and that vehicles parked nearby suggested the building had been occupied. In Kandahar, the analysts reported damage to at least two buildings within a large complex, which they assessed to be a headquarters of some kind.[^20] The airstrikes carried out by the Pakistan Air Force in Kandahar province also struck the former home of [Mullah Omar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mullah_Omar "Mullah Omar"), the late founder of the Taliban, which was currently serving as a base for the Taliban's suicide unit. The property is located about one kilometer from a residence of current Taliban leader [Hibatullah Akhundzada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hibatullah_Akhundzada "Hibatullah Akhundzada"). According to local Afghan sources, about 15 Taliban members were killed in the strike. Elsewhere in the province, parts of [Spin Boldak District](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spin_Boldak_District "Spin Boldak District") were also struck.[^15] Following the airstrikes on Kabul and Kandahar, Zabihullah Mujahid, said that were ready to negotiate with Pakistan.[^54] #### 27 February In the morning, Pakistan Air Force carried out airstrike in parts of [Paktika](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paktika_Province "Paktika Province") and [Laghman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laghman_Province "Laghman Province") provinces, according to local Afghan sources. The airstrike in Laghman targeted [201 Khalid Ibn Walid Corps](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/201_Khalid_Ibn_Walid_Corps "201 Khalid Ibn Walid Corps"), while the one in Paktika struck a house.[^60] However, according to some Afghan sources, Taliban-led Afghan armed forces base in Paktika was the one that was struck by Pakistan Air Force.[^61] Afghan local sources also report an airstrike on Taliban-led Afghan border brigade in Paktika province.[^62] Later the same day, at around noon, Taliban-led Afghan border brigade in [Gardez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardez "Gardez") city was also struck by an airstrike carried out by Pakistan's air force.[^63] An additional airstrike in parts of [Nangarhar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nangarhar_Province "Nangarhar Province") was also reported by local Afghan sources.[^64] Taliban-led Afghan armed forces base in [Khost province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khost_Province "Khost Province") was also struck in the airstrikes that were carried out on 27 February.[^61] On the same day, the Taliban-led Afghan Ministry of Defense announced that it had carried out airstrikes in Pakistan targeting military sites in [Faizabad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faizabad "Faizabad"), [Nowshera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nowshera,_Khyber_Pakhtunkhwa "Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa"), [Jamrud](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamrud "Jamrud"), and [Abbottabad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbottabad "Abbottabad"). The ministry did not provide details about the type of aircraft or equipment allegedly used in the attacks.[^65] Pakistani officials, however, stated that attempts to strike in [Abbottabad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbottabad "Abbottabad"), [Swabi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swabi "Swabi"), and [Nowshera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nowshera,_Khyber_Pakhtunkhwa "Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa") using small drones had been foiled using anti-drone systems. They denied that any strike had taken place in Faizabad or Jamrud,[^66] and said that these attacks were the work of the [Pakistani Taliban](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tehrik-i-Taliban_Pakistan "Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan") rather than the Afghan Taliban.[^67] The drone in Swabi crashed near girls school, injuring a student.[^68] A quadcopter attack on Mosque in [Bannu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bannu "Bannu") injured five worshippers. Pakistan subsequently imposed a countrywide ban on drone flights.[^69] During the same day, Pakistan's army spokesperson stated that Operation Ghazab Lil Haq was continuing successfully against the Afghan Taliban. He said Pakistani forces had repulsed insurgents at 53 border locations, killing 274 militants, injuring more than 400. He added that 73 Afghan Taliban posts had been destroyed, 18 had been captured, and 115 tanks and armoured vehicles had also been destroyed. He also said Pakistani forces had targeted militant infrastructure at 22 locations in Kandahar, Paktia, Nangarhar, Khost and Paktika. He added that 12 Pakistani soldiers were killed, 27 were wounded, and one is missing in action.[^70] Pakistan's officials also released videos of their strikes in Afghanistan.[^71] Later that day, Afghan Taliban officials announced that they have launched new wave of attacks against Pakistani border guards on the border areas of Khost and [Paktia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paktia_Province "Paktia Province") provinces.[^72] The fighting later spread to border areas of [Kunar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunar_Province "Kunar Province") and Nangarhar provinces.[^73] The same day, Pakistani Taliban leader [Noor Wali Mehsud](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noor_Wali_Mehsud "Noor Wali Mehsud") ordered the group's fighters to intensify and systematically carry out attacks in support of the Afghan Taliban. He also instructed them to post video evidence of their attacks directly on social media without prior permission.[^4] Jamaat ul Ahrar, an offshoot of the Pakistani Taliban, also ordered its fighters to intensify attacks in Pakistan in response to Pakistani airstrikes against the Afghan Taliban. It also said that its fighters would step up attacks in the provinces of [Sindh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sindh "Sindh") and [Punjab](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punjab,_Pakistan "Punjab, Pakistan").[^5] Following these orders, militant attacks on Police stations and outposts were reported in [Peshawar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peshawar "Peshawar"), Bannu, [Hangu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hangu,_Pakistan "Hangu, Pakistan"), and [Mattani](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mattani "Mattani"), injuring a police officer and a civilian.[^74] #### 28 February In the early hours, clashes between Pakistan border guards and Afghan Taliban had been reported along the [border areas of Torkham](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torkham_border_crossing "Torkham border crossing").[^75] Later on, an airstrike was carried out by Pakistan Air Force on an [airport in Jalalabad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalalabad_Airport "Jalalabad Airport"), provincial capital of Nangarhar province. An [AFP](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agence_France-Presse "Agence France-Presse") journalist reported hearing sound of two loud explosion in direction of Jalalabad airport.[^76] Pakistan's media outlet also reported an airstrike in Nangarhar province targeting several Taliban headquarters.[^77] On the same day, Afghan forces claimed a Pakistani fighter was shot down over [Jalalabad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalalabad "Jalalabad") using anti-aircraft guns, with the pilot captured alive. Pakistan rejected Afghan Taliban's claim and termed it a war time propaganda. The detained individual was severely beaten by Afghan Taliban and locals as he was paraded through the market area in Jalalabad, with Taliban officials terming the event as an important war operation. However, later on it was revealed that the pilot that Afghan forces captured was an ordinary Afghan national who was a parachutist and had no connection to the Pakistani army. Further investigation also revealed that news of downing a fighter jet were false, and the detained individual was later released.[^78] [^79] Elsewhere, Pakistan Air Force carried out airstrikes in parts of Khost,[^80] Kandahar provinces,[^81] and Kabul.[^82] [^83] Taliban-led Afghan government deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat said that 52 people had been killed and 66 others injured as a result of Pakistani attacks on the provinces of Paktika, Khost, Kunar, Nangarhar, and Kandahar. The Taliban-led Afghan Ministry of Defense said that 110 Pakistan's soldiers had been killed and 27 Pakistan's border posts had been captured.[^84] The ministry also said that it had attacked Pakistani military sites in Miranshah and Spinwam, though Pakistan's officials denied that any such attack had taken place.[^85] On the same day, an attack by Pakistani Taliban on Sra Khawra police checkpost in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, injured one policemen and 6 civilians.[^86] Separately, Pakistan's officials said that 352 Afghan Taliban members had been killed and more than 535 wounded since the fighting began. They added that Pakistani forces had destroyed 130 Taliban border posts, captured 26 others, and destroyed 171 tanks and armoured personnel carriers belonging to Afghan Taliban forces. The officials also said that the Pakistan Air Force had targeted 41 locations in Afghanistan, including brigade and battalion headquarters in Nangarhar province and an army headquarters in Kandahar province.[^87] Later on the day, clashes resumed between Pakistan border guards and Afghan Taliban forces along the border areas of Nangarhar, Khost, and Paktia provinces. Taliban-led Afghan armed forces' 203rd Mansouri Corps in Paktia released a video depicting fresh forces being dispatched to areas near the border.[^88] #### 1 March On 1 March 2026, Pakistan's information minister, [Attaullah Tarar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attaullah_Tarar "Attaullah Tarar"), said 46 locations across Afghanistan had been hit by air strikes since its operation began, including [Bagram Airfield](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagram_Airfield "Bagram Airfield").[^89] Pakistan claimed to have killed 415 soldiers for the loss of 12 of its own. An Afghani spokesperson counter-claimed that 80 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 27 military posts captured for the loss of 13 soldiers.[^90] Pakistani security forces also claimed to have taken control of 32 square kilometres (12 sq mi) of strategic Afghan territory south of the [Zhob sector](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhob "Zhob").[^89] [^91] This strategic territory, near the [Kandahar province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kandahar_Province "Kandahar Province"), is known as the Ghudwana enclave.[^92] #### 2 March Pakistani security sources told Reuters that Pakistani forces continued to conduct airstrikes and ground attacks, and that they had destroyed ammunition depots in [Khost](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khost_Province "Khost Province") and [Jalalabad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalalabad "Jalalabad"), as well as a drone storage site in Jalalabad, among other targets.[^93] Additionally, at around 5 am local time, Pakistani fighter jets launched multiple airstrikes on [Bagram Airbase](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bagram_Airfield "Bagram Airfield") once again.[^93] Afghan forces claimed to have repelled the aerial assault using [ZU-23](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZU-23-2 "ZU-23-2") anti-aircraft guns, but satellite imagery published later by the [*New York Times*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times") showing multiple blasts and destroyed buildings at the base confirmed that Bagram Airbase had actually been struck, contrary to Afghan claims.[^94] [^95] [^96] #### 3 March Pakistan said Afghan forces attacked Pakistani military positions along the border, triggering clashes that left 67 Afghans and one Pakistani soldier dead.[^97] ## Censorship During the conflict, [Taliban intelligence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Directorate_of_Intelligence "General Directorate of Intelligence") ordered Afghan domestic media outlets not to cover areas targeted in recent Pakistani airstrikes. In some cases, intelligence personnel monitored media offices and newsroom operations to enforce the directive, and media outlets were warned against defying the order.[^98] Taliban intelligence officials also warned residents against publishing images or details of locations in Afghanistan targeted by Pakistani strikes.[^99] Afghan local sources stated that the Taliban were restricting access to information about their own casualties, as well as those among civilians. They added that only Taliban members were allowed to take images of affected areas and victims, making independent verification of casualties and damage difficult.[^100] On 1 March, the Taliban suspended the broadcasts of [Rah-e-Farda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rah-e-Farda "Rah-e-Farda") radio and television in Kabul, a channel affiliated with [Mohammad Mohaqiq](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mohammad_Mohaqiq "Mohammad Mohaqiq"). The suspension was linked to remarks by Mohammad Mohaqiq which reportedly criticized the Taliban's recent retaliatory attacks against Pakistan.[^101] ## Reactions ### Domestic - Afghanistan: Afghanistan's [Ministry of Defence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Defense_\(Afghanistan\) "Ministry of Defense (Afghanistan)") condemned the airstrikes, claiming that Pakistan had "hit a [religious school](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madrasa "Madrasa") and residential homes".[^47] - Pakistan: Pakistan's Minister of Defence [Khawaja Asif](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khawaja_Asif "Khawaja Asif") declared an "open war" between the two countries.[^33] [^102] ### International #### State actors - India: [Randhir Jaiswal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randhir_Jaiswal "Randhir Jaiswal"), the [Official Spokesperson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Official_Spokesperson_of_the_Ministry_of_External_Affairs "Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs") of the [Ministry of External Affairs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_External_Affairs_\(India\) "Ministry of External Affairs (India)"), expressed strong condemnation of the strikes and expressed support for Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.[^103] - Qatar: Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi discussed with Pakistani Foreign Minister [Muhammad Ishaq Dar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishaq_Dar "Ishaq Dar") on ways to reduce tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan, thereby strengthening security and stability in the region.[^104] - Russia: The Russian government offered to mediate the situation and urged the both nations to halt cross-border attacks.[^104] - Saudi Arabia: [Prince Faisal bin Farhan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faisal_bin_Farhan_Al_Saud "Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud") discussed ways with the Pakistani government to reduce regional tensions during a phone call.[^105] - United States: The United States stated that they will continue to monitor the situation closely and expressed support for Pakistan against the Taliban attacks.[^104] US President Donald Trump praised both [Shehbaz Sharif](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shehbaz_Sharif "Shehbaz Sharif") and [Asim Munir](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asim_Munir "Asim Munir") for fighting against Taliban forces.[^106] In addition, Bangladesh,[^107] China,[^108] Egypt,[^109] Iran,[^110] Iraq,[^111] Jordan,[^112] Malaysia,[^113] and Uzbekistan [^114] also called for a ceasefire to end hostilities and promoted dialogue to resolve border tensions. #### Supranational - United Nations: [UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UN_Assistance_Mission_in_Afghanistan "UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan") (UNAMA) urged both nations to cease hostilities and to take steps to prevent harm to civilians. [Richard Bennett](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Bennett_\(UN\) "Richard Bennett (UN)"), the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of [human rights in Afghanistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_Afghanistan "Human rights in Afghanistan"), expressed concern over airstrikes in Nangarhar and Paktika, calling on the belligerent parties to exercise "maximum restraint". He stated deep concern for "a significant number of children and civilians" that were killed following the hostilities.[^46] - European Union: In a brief statement, The EU Council called on all actors for immediate de-escalation and a halt of hostilities in the area. It reiterated to the Taliban that Afghan territory must not be used to threaten or attack other countries and calls on them to take effective action against all terrorist groups operating in or from Afghanistan.[^115] ## See also - [Insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insurgency_in_Khyber_Pakhtunkhwa "Insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa") - [Insurgency in Balochistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insurgency_in_Balochistan "Insurgency in Balochistan") - [2021 anti-Pakistani protests](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_anti-Pakistan_protests "2021 anti-Pakistan protests") - [2022 Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Pakistani_airstrikes_in_Afghanistan "2022 Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan") - [Deportation of undocumented Afghans from Pakistan in 2023](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deportation_of_undocumented_Afghans_from_Pakistan "Deportation of undocumented Afghans from Pakistan") - [2026 Iran conflict](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Iran_conflict "2026 Iran conflict") ## Notes ## References [^1]: [^12] [^2]: [^15] [^3]: [Arabic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabic_language "Arabic language"): غضب للحق, [lit.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Literal_translation "Literal translation")' Wrath for the Truth ' [^4]: ["تی‌تی‌پی از جنگجویانش خواست به کمک طالبان افغان بشتابند"](https://www.afintl.com/fa/202602270715). *www.afintl.com* (in Persian). 27 February 2026. [^5]: ["جماعت احرار به جنگجویانش دستور داد تا حملات در پاکستان را تشدید کنند"](https://www.afintl.com/fa/202602273961). *www.afintl.com* (in Persian). 27 February 2026. [^6]: ["Afghan forces continue to launch heavy attacks against Pakistani troops; Dozens killed and bases captured"](https://www.avapress.com/en/news/347561/afghan-forces-continue-to-launch-heavy-attacks-against-pakistani-troops-dozens-killed-_and-bases-captured). Afghan Voice Agency. 27 February 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026. [^7]: Prasad, Sheetal (27 February 2026). ["Taliban Drone Attack On Islamabad: Afghanistan Govt says it wants 'dialogue' to resolve conflict with Pakistan"](https://news24online.com/world/taliban-drone-attack-on-islamabad-live-updates-taliban-airstrike-islamabad-military-bases-pakistan-afghanistan-war-latest-news/760227/). Highlights. [News 24](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/News_24_\(Indian_TV_channel\) "News 24 (Indian TV channel)"). Retrieved 28 February 2026. [^8]: ["Afghan forces launch airstrikes on Pakistani military positions in retaliatory action"](https://english.news.cn/20260227/07bc02f051b0420b80f774aacc284a6d/c.html). [Xinhua News Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xinhua_News_Agency "Xinhua News Agency"). 27 February 2026. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260227133722/https://english.news.cn/20260227/07bc02f051b0420b80f774aacc284a6d/c.html) from the original on 27 February 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026. [^9]: ["Afghanistan claims successful drone strikes on Pakistani military targets including in Islamabad"](https://www.thestatesman.com/world/afghanistan-claims-successful-drone-strikes-on-pakistani-military-targets-including-in-islamabad-1503563844.html). [The Statesman (India)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Statesman_\(India\) "The Statesman (India)"). Statesman News Service. 27 February 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026. [^10]: ["Afghanistan air force strikes Pakistani military bases near Islamabad, KPK's Nowshera: Taliban"](https://www.firstpost.com/world/afghanistan-air-force-strikes-pakistani-military-bases-near-islamabad-kpks-nowshera-taliban-13984372.html). [Firstpost](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firstpost "Firstpost"). 27 February 2026. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260227123923/https://www.firstpost.com/world/afghanistan-air-force-strikes-pakistani-military-bases-near-islamabad-kpks-nowshera-taliban-13984372.html) from the original on 27 February 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026. [^11]: ["Pakistan says it hit 22 locations across Afghanistan"](https://aje.news/zwor25?update=4343164). Al Jazeera. 26 February 2026. [^12]: ["150 Pakistani soldiers killed in Afghan counterattacks: Khwarazmi"](https://pajhwok.com/2026/03/03/150-pakistani-soldiers-killed-in-afghan-counterattacks-khwarazmi/). *Pajhwok Afghan News*. 3 March 2026. Retrieved 3 March 2026. [^13]: ["IEA reports 25 clashes with Pakistani forces in 24 hours; Hundreds killed or wounded"](https://www.ariananews.af/iea-reports-25-clashes-with-pakistani-forces-in-24-hours-hundreds-killed-or-wounded/). *Ariana News*. 3 March 2026. Retrieved 3 March 2026. [^14]: ["Fitrat: Our Forces Defending Country; Too Early to Close Pakistani Embassy"](https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-198204). *TOLOnews*. 3 March 2026. Retrieved 3 March 2026. [^15]: Sirat, Siyar (27 February 2026). ["Mullah Omar's former home, site for Taliban suicide unit, hit in Pakistani airstrikes – Sources"](https://amu.tv/228447/). *Amu TV*. [^16]: Yousaf, Kamran (23 February 2026). ["Air raids in Afghanistan destroy 7 terror camps"](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2594086/air-raids-in-afghanistan-destroy-7-terror-camps). *The Express Tribune*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260223021902/https://tribune.com.pk/story/2594086/air-raids-in-afghanistan-destroy-7-terror-camps) from the original on 23 February 2026. Retrieved 23 February 2026. [^17]: ["435 Afghan combatants killed, 188 tanks and vehicles destroyed in Operation Ghazab Lil Haq: Tarar"](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2595427/435-afghan-combatants-killed-188-tanks-and-vehicles-destroyed-in-operation-ghazab-lil-haq-tarar). *The Express Tribune*. 2 March 2026. Retrieved 2 March 2026. [^18]: Menon, Shruti; Brown, Paul (27 February 2026). ["Misinformation spreading over Pakistan strikes in Afghanistan"](https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cx28nzdkwljt?post=asset%3A819ec5b8-2d32-4a58-bcc2-cc2f0ccf2674#post). *BBC News*. [^19]: Gould, Tom (27 February 2026). ["Misinformation spreading over Pakistan strikes in Afghanistan"](https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cx28nzdkwljt?post=asset%3Abad0ade6-425c-4f69-bbd4-2626663f0c25#post). *BBC News*. [^20]: Brown, Paul (27 February 2026). ["Misinformation spreading over Pakistan strikes in Afghanistan"](https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cx28nzdkwljt?post=asset%3Aa822b75b-977f-4646-a942-51155d468eae#post). *BBC News*. [^21]: Sirat, Siyar (23 February 2026). ["UNAMA says 13 'civilians' killed in Pakistan airstrikes in Afghanistan"](https://amu.tv/227779/). Amu TV. Retrieved 27 February 2026. [^22]: Mohammadi, Habib (22 February 2026). ["Taliban say 17 civilians, including 11 children, killed in Pakistani airstrikes"](https://amu.tv/227608/). Amu TV. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260226174853/https://amu.tv/227608/) from the original on 26 February 2026. Retrieved 24 February 2026. [^23]: ["Sources: 23 People Buried Under Rubble in Pakistan's Airstrikes on Nangarhar"](https://8am.media/eng/sources-23-people-buried-under-rubble-in-pakistans-airstrikes-on-nangarhar/). *Hasht-e Subh*. 22 February 2026. [^24]: Mohammadi, Habib (22 February 2026). ["Victims of Pakistani airstrike buried as others remain under rubble"](https://amu.tv/227611/). Amu TV. [^25]: Mitchell, Ottilie; Bariz, Yama (22 February 2026). ["Pakistan launches deadly strikes on Afghanistan"](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxgln3gnd6o). *[BBC News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_News "BBC News")*. Retrieved 22 February 2026. [^26]: Saifi, Sophia (22 February 2026). ["Pakistan launches airstrikes against Afghan-based 'militants' it blames for cross-border attacks"](https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/22/asia/pakistan-strikes-afghanistan-militant-camps-intl-hnk). CNN. Retrieved 22 February 2026. [^27]: ["Photos: The aftermath of Pakistan's air strikes in Afghanistan"](https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2026/2/22/the-aftermath-of-pakistan-air-strikes-in-in-afghanistan). *[Al Jazeera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Jazeera_English "Al Jazeera English")*. Retrieved 22 February 2026. [^28]: Azizi, Ahmad (22 February 2026). ["Taliban defense ministry vows 'calculated response' to Pakistani airstrikes"](https://amu.tv/227613/). Amu TV. [^29]: ["Afghanistan promises 'appropriate response' after deadly Pakistani strikes"](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/22/pakistan-carries-out-strikes-in-afghanistan-after-islamabad-suicide-attack). Al Jazeera. 22 February 2026. Retrieved 22 February 2026. [^30]: ["Pakistan and Afghanistan announce duelling military operations amid border clashes"](https://www.turkiyetoday.com/world/pakistan-and-afghanistan-announce-duelling-military-operations-amid-border-clashes-3215198). *Türkiye Today*. Retrieved 26 February 2026. [^31]: ["Pakistan's defense minister says that there is now 'open war' with Afghanistan after latest strikes"](https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-pakistan-airstrikes-open-war-98927b79ee9ef5741bf0804956d3c2e6). *AP News*. 27 February 2026. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260227074945/https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-pakistan-airstrikes-open-war-98927b79ee9ef5741bf0804956d3c2e6) from the original on 27 February 2026. Retrieved 27 February 2026. [^32]: ["Pakistan launches 'Operation Ghazab-ul-Haq' amid border tensions with Afghanistan"](https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/pakistan-launches-operation-ghazab-lil-haq-2145823.html). *UrduPoint*. Retrieved 26 February 2026. [^33]: ["Pakistan bombs Kabul, declares 'open war' with Afghanistan after months of border clashes"](https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20260226-pakistan-vows-immediate-response-after-afghanistan-launches-retaliatory-attacks). France 24. 26 February 2026. Retrieved 27 February 2026. [^34]: ["Pakistan strikes militant hideouts on Afghan border after surge in attacks"](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/21/pakistan-strikes-militant-hideouts-on-afghan-border-after-surge-in-attacks). *The Guardian*. 22 February 2026. Retrieved 22 February 2026. [^35]: ["Afghanistan and Pakistan agree to immediate ceasefire during a round of negotiations in Doha"](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/afghanistan-pakistan-hold-peace-talks-doha-after-fierce-fighting-says-afghan-2025-10-18/). *Reuters*. 19 October 2025. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260128155533/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/afghanistan-pakistan-hold-peace-talks-doha-after-fierce-fighting-says-afghan-2025-10-18/) from the original on 28 January 2026. Retrieved 23 February 2026. [^36]: ["May Act Against Militants In Afghanistan, Says Pakistan"](https://www.afintl.com/en/202602116731). *[Afghanistan International](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghanistan_International "Afghanistan International")*. 11 February 2026. Retrieved 22 February 2026. [^37]: Ahmed, Saleem; Shahzad, Asif (4 February 2026). ["Pakistan sends helicopters, drones to end desert standoff; 58 dead"](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/pakistan-sends-helicopters-drones-end-desert-standoff-58-dead-2026-02-04/). *Reuters*. [^38]: Lukiv, Jaroslaw (2 February 2026). ["Deadly gun and bomb attacks hit Pakistan's Balochistan province"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn42nedxqyqo). *BBC News*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260202134424/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn42nedxqyqo) from the original on 2 February 2026. Retrieved 2 February 2026. [^39]: Hussain, Abid (24 February 2026). ["Afghanistan bombing: What's Pakistan's strategy as India-Taliban ties grow?"](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/24/afghanistan-bombing-whats-pakistans-strategy-as-india-taliban-ties-grow). *[Al Jazeera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Jazeera_English "Al Jazeera English")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260226174921/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/24/afghanistan-bombing-whats-pakistans-strategy-as-india-taliban-ties-grow) from the original on 26 February 2026. Retrieved 24 February 2026. [^40]: ["Pak Defence Minister Warns of Strikes if Taliban Fails to Curb Militants"](https://www.afintl.com/en/202602196936). *Afghanistan International*. 19 February 2026. Retrieved 22 February 2026. [^41]: ["Won't hesitate to launch strikes inside Afghanistan: Kh Asif"](https://www.dawn.com/news/1974283). *[Dawn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawn_\(newspaper\) "Dawn (newspaper)")*. 19 February 2026. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260223085201/https://www.dawn.com/news/1974283) from the original on 23 February 2026. Retrieved 22 February 2026. [^42]: ["Armed forces strike 7 terrorist camps along Pakistan-Afghanistan border in response to recent suicide bombings"](https://www.dawn.com/news/1974894). *[Dawn](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawn_\(newspaper\) "Dawn (newspaper)")*. 22 February 2026. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260223085131/https://www.dawn.com/news/1974894) from the original on 23 February 2026. Retrieved 22 February 2026. [^43]: ["Pakistan airstrikes kill dozens on Afghan border"](https://sana.sy/en/international/2298262/). [Syrian Arab News Agency](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrian_Arab_News_Agency "Syrian Arab News Agency"). 22 February 2026. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260225215512/https://sana.sy/en/international/2298262/) from the original on 25 February 2026. Retrieved 27 February 2026. [^44]: ["Afghanistan vows military response to Pakistan, accuses Islamabad of backing ISIS"](https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2026/02/25/afghanistan-vows-military-response-to-pakistan-accuses-islamabad-of-backing-isis). *Al Arabiya English*. 25 February 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026. [^45]: ["رئیس پیشین شورای ولایتی پکتیا: حملات پاکستان بسیار گسترده و قوی بوده است"](https://www.afintl.com/fa/202602226381) \[Former Paktia Provincial Council Chairman: Pakistan's attacks have been widespread and strong\]. *Afghanistan International* (in Persian). 22 February 2026. [^46]: ["Bennett Expresses Concern over Pakistan's Strikes on Afghanistan, Urges Restraint"](https://8am.media/eng/bennett-expresses-concern-over-pakistans-strikes-on-afghanistan-urges-restraint/). *Hasht-e Subh*. 24 February 2026. Retrieved 27 February 2026. [^47]: ["New Afghan, Pakistani border clashes follow deadly strikes"](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/24/fresh-afghan-pakistani-border-clashes-follow-deadly-strikes). *[Al Jazeera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Jazeera_English "Al Jazeera English")*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260224212009/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/24/fresh-afghan-pakistani-border-clashes-follow-deadly-strikes) from the original on 24 February 2026. Retrieved 25 February 2026. [^48]: ["What we know after latest escalation in Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions"](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj32zx48xvxo). *[BBC News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_News "BBC News")*. 27 February 2026. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260227150821/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj32zx48xvxo) from the original on 27 February 2026. Retrieved 28 February 2026. [^49]: Azizi, Ahmad (26 February 2026). ["Taliban claim 55 Pakistani troops killed in border fighting"](https://amu.tv/228407/). *Amu TV*. [^50]: ["طالبان مدعی شد هفت پاسگاه مرزی پاکستان را تسخیر کرده‌‌ است"](https://www.afintl.com/fa/202602265953). *www.afintl.com* (in Persian). 26 February 2026. [^51]: Demir, Gizem Nisa (27 February 2026). ["Pakistan launches airstrikes on Afghan capital, 2 provinces, says Kabul"](https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/pakistan-launches-airstrikes-on-afghan-capital-2-provinces-says-kabul/3841418). *Anadolu Agency*. [^52]: ["What 'Ghazab Lil Haq' means and why Pakistan chose the name for its Afghanistan operation"](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2595023/what-ghazab-lil-haq-means-and-why-pakistan-chose-the-name-for-its-afghanistan-operation). *The Express Tribune*. 28 February 2026. [^53]: ["مقام پاکستانی: طالبان جنگ را شروع کرد، پایانش را پاکستان رقم می‌زند"](https://www.afintl.com/fa/202602269122). *www.afintl.com* (in Persian). 26 February 2026. [^54]: Yawar, Mohammad Yunus; Shahzad, Asif (27 February 2026). ["Afghan Taliban open to talks after Pakistan bombs Kabul, Kandahar"](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-strikes-afghanistan-targets-clashes-intensify-2026-02-27/). *Reuters*. [^55]: ["Operation Ghazab lil-Haq: 133 Afghan Taliban operatives killed, more than 200 injured, says govt"](https://www.brecorder.com/news/40409162/operation-ghazab-lil-haq-133-afghan-taliban-operatives-killed-more-than-200-injured-says-govt). *Brecorder*. 26 February 2026. [^56]: ["طالبان: پاکستان، کابل و چند شهر دیگر را بمباران کرد"](https://www.afintl.com/fa/202602260833). *www.afintl.com* (in Persian). 26 February 2026. [^57]: ["Pakistan strikes Afghan cities as cross-border attacks escalate"](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0j5qx9n887o). *[BBC News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BBC_News "BBC News")*. 26 February 2026. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20260226195356/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0j5qx9n887o) from the original on 26 February 2026. Retrieved 26 February 2026. [^58]: Yawar, Mohammad Yunus (27 February 2026). ["Afghans fear further escalation after Pakistani air strikes shake Kabul"](https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/afghans-fear-further-escalation-after-pakistani-air-strikes-shake-kabul-2026-02-27/). *Reuters*. [^59]: ["Pakistani airstrike on Kabul ammo depot triggered hours of secondary blasts"](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2594921/pakistani-airstrike-on-kabul-ammo-depot-triggered-hours-of-secondary-blasts). *The Express Tribune*. 27 February 2026. [^60]: Azizi, Ahmad (27 February 2026). ["Pakistani airstrikes reported in Laghman, Paktika"](https://amu.tv/228454/). *Amu TV*. [^61]: ["طالبان بمباران پاکستان در کابل، قندهار و پکتیا را تایید کردند"](https://8am.media/fa/taliban-confirm-pakistani-bombings-in-kabul-kandahar-and-paktia/). *روزنامه ۸صبح* (in Dari). 26 February 2026. [^62]: ["منابع محلی از حملات هوایی به پکتیکا خبر دادند"](https://www.afintl.com/fa/202602275526). *www.afintl.com* (in Persian). 27 February 2026. [^63]: ["منابع از حمله هوایی به یک مرکز نظامی طالبان در پکتیا خبر دادند"](https://www.afintl.com/fa/202602272386). *www.afintl.com* (in Persian). 27 February 2026. [^64]: ["جنگنده‌های پاکستانی مناطق پکتیکا و ننگرهار را بمباران کردند"](https://8am.media/fa/pakistani-warplanes-bombed-paktika-and-nangarhar-regions/). *روزنامه ۸صبح* (in Dari). 27 February 2026. [^65]: ["طالبان از حمله هوایی به اسلام‌آباد خبر داد"](https://www.afintl.com/fa/202602276451). *www.afintl.com* (in Persian). 27 February 2026. [^66]: ["Pakistan says 'small drone launches' foiled in province bordering Afghanistan"](https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/pakistan-says-small-drone-launches-foiled-in-province-bordering-afghanistan/3841804). *Anadolou Agency*. 27 February 2026. [^67]: ["وزیر اطلاعات پاکستان: حمله به شهرهای پاکستان کار طالبان پاکستانی بود، نه طالبان افغان"](https://www.afintl.com/fa/202602270542). *www.afintl.com* (in Persian). 27 February 2026. [^68]: SHOAIB, MUHAMMAD (28 February 2026). ["Drone attack near girls' school injures student"](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2594955/drone-attack-near-girls-school-injures-student). *The Express Tribune*. [^69]: ["Unmanned aerial vehicles banned countrywide amid escalating tensions with Afghanistan"](https://www.dawn.com/news/1976209). *Dawn*. 27 February 2026. [^70]: Abrar, Mian (27 February 2026). ["Operation Ghazab Lil Haq: 274 Terrorists Killed"](https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/02/27/operation-ghazab-lil-haq-crushing-terrorists-274-killed-dg-ispr). *Pakistan Today*. [^71]: ["پاکستان ویدیویی از حملات هوایی خود به افغانستان منتشر کرد"](https://www.afintl.com/fa/202602279220). *www.afintl.com* (in Persian). 27 February 2026. [^72]: ["طالبان از موج تازه حملات علیه پاکستان در مناطق مرزی در خوست و پکتیا خبر داد"](https://www.afintl.com/fa/202602271947). *www.afintl.com* (in Persian). 27 February 2026. [^73]: ["درگیری میان طالبان و نظامیان پاکستان در مرزهای کنر و ننگرهار از سر گرفته شد"](https://www.afintl.com/fa/202602272517). *www.afintl.com* (in Persian). 27 February 2026. [^74]: Khan, Ahtesham (28 February 2026). ["Terrorists launch coordinated attacks on police posts"](https://tribune.com.pk/story/2595071/terrorists-launch-coordinated-attacks-on-police-posts-in-k-p). *The Express Tribune*. [^75]: ["منابع می‌گویند درگیری میان پاکستان و طالبان همچنان ادامه دارد"](https://www.afintl.com/fa/202602282806). *www.afintl.com* (in Persian). 28 February 2026. [^76]: ["2 blasts rock Afghanistan's Jalalabad city one day after Pakistani air strikes"](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/mena/2-blasts-rock-afghanistan-jalalabad-city-after-pakistani-air-strikes). *Khaleej Times*. 28 February 2026. [^77]: ["گزارش‌ها از حمله هوایی پاکستان به میدان هوایی ننگرهار"](https://www.afintl.com/fa/202602287210). *www.afintl.com* (in Persian). 28 February 2026. [^78]: ["طالبان یک چترباز را در جلال‌آباد اشتباهاً به‌عنوان «خلبان پاکستانی» بازداشت کردند"](https://8am.media/fa/taliban-mistakenly-arrest-paratrooper-in-jalalabad-as-pakistani-pilot/). *روزنامه ۸صبح* (in Dari). 28 February 2026. 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