Islamabad/Kabul | February 27, 2026: Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan’s capital Kabul and two other provinces early Friday, hours after Afghan forces reportedly launched cross-border attacks on Pakistani military positions, sharply escalating tensions between the two neighbors.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned that Pakistan’s armed forces can “crush” any aggression, signaling Islamabad’s hardened stance amid what appears to be the most serious flare-up in months.
Sharif: “Full Capability to Crush Aggression”
“Our forces have the full capability to crush any aggressive ambitions,” Sharif said in a statement posted on X, adding that the entire nation stood united behind the armed forces.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif went further, declaring what he described as “open war” with Afghanistan’s Taliban government.
Airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia
Afghanistan’s government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that Pakistani airstrikes hit Kabul, as well as the southern city of Kandahar and the southeastern province of Paktia.
At least three explosions were reported in Kabul, though casualty figures were not immediately confirmed. Afghan authorities described the strikes as a violation of sovereignty.
Two senior Pakistani security officials, speaking anonymously, said the strikes targeted Afghan military facilities, claiming multiple installations were destroyed.
Afghan Retaliation Along the Durand Line
Earlier, Afghan authorities said their forces had launched “large-scale offensive operations” along the disputed Durand Line, following Pakistani airstrikes earlier this week.
Afghanistan claimed significant Pakistani military casualties and alleged capture of posts along the frontier. Pakistan rejected those claims, calling the Afghan assault “unprovoked.”
Casualty figures from both sides varied sharply, with each government disputing the other’s numbers.
Civilian Concerns and Refugee Impact
Reports also indicated shelling near the Torkham border crossing, where refugee camps were reportedly hit. Afghan officials said civilians, including women and children, were wounded. Pakistani police confirmed mortar fire landed near border villages but reported no civilian casualties on their side.
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged both sides to exercise restraint, calling for protection of civilians and diplomatic resolution.
Fragile Ceasefire at Risk
The escalation casts doubt on a previously Qatar-mediated ceasefire that had reduced hostilities in recent months. Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have deteriorated over Pakistan’s allegations that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operates from Afghan soil — a charge Kabul denies.
With airstrikes now reaching Kabul itself, analysts warn the confrontation risks spiraling into a broader military conflict with significant regional implications.
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