Armed clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan have entered a new phase

On the morning of Friday, February 27, the Pakistan Air Force carried out extensive strikes on Kabul and five other provinces of Afghanistan.

A representative of the Taliban, Zabihullah Mujahid, stated at a press conference that the Pakistani army violated Afghanistan’s airspace and conducted airstrikes on Kabul, as well as on the provinces of Kunar, Khost, Paktika, Laghman, and Kandahar, with the attacks targeting civilians.

According to the Taliban representative, there were no casualties as a result of the strikes.

In turn, representatives of the Pakistani army informed the media that strikes were carried out on 73 border facilities, which they claimed were used as bases by the Islamic State – Khorasan group and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan. According to Islamabad, 18 facilities were brought under control, 133 militants were eliminated, and about 200 were injured.

Zabihullah Mujahid stated that in response to the Pakistani strikes, the Taliban launched drone strikes on several cities and military bases in Pakistan. He claimed that their retaliatory strike was a defense of their rights.

The Pakistani army also reported the deaths of 12 servicemen and injuries to several soldiers. Islamabad accused the Taliban of regular shelling of border posts. Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif noted that Islamabad’s “patience has run out,” and these strikes were a response to provocations and violations from Afghanistan.

Tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban government in Afghanistan have been escalating in recent months. Islamabad accuses the Taliban of providing shelter to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP/Pakistani Taliban), which, according to Pakistani authorities, conducts attacks on Pakistani territory from Afghan territory. The Taliban reject these accusations.

It is noted that last week Pakistan already carried out strikes on the provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika, resulting in at least 18 deaths, according to available data. Islamabad views its actions as “defending sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

In turn, a representative of the Afghan government described Pakistan’s actions as “aggression and a violation of international law.” He stated that previous strikes by the Afghan side were “retaliatory” and accused Islamabad of using internal problems related to the TTP as a pretext to pressure Afghanistan. “We are always ready for dialogue, but we will respond to any hostile actions,” emphasized Mujahid.

Following the clashes, the United Nations, China, Iran, and Russia called on both sides to resolve the conflict through diplomatic means and political dialogue.

It is reported that the recent hostilities have effectively nullified the ceasefire regime achieved in 2025 through Qatari mediation. Currently, both sides are showing a willingness to continue military operations while simultaneously stating the possibility of negotiations.