Asian Mail News Desk
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated sharply following intense overnight attacks allegedly carried out by Afghan Taliban forces on Pakistani border posts, triggering heavy clashes between the two countries and raising fears of a large-scale military confrontation in the region once again.
According to international media reports, Afghan Taliban forces targeted Pakistani military installations and border posts across multiple sectors along the Durand Line on the night of February 26. The attacks were followed by more than four hours of heavy firing and military exchanges from both sides.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense claimed that the strikes were carried out in response to Pakistani airstrikes conducted inside Afghan territory a few days earlier. Afghan officials further stated that retaliatory attacks resulted in the deaths of 55 Pakistani military personnel and caused damage to several border posts.
Pakistan, on the other hand, termed the Afghan actions as an “unprovoked attack” and launched an immediate counter-operation. Pakistani authorities stated that Afghan Taliban forces suffered significant losses during the response, after which Pakistan carried out airstrikes targeting alleged military positions in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktika.
Pakistan’s Minister for Information, Attaullah Tarar, claimed that 133 Afghan Taliban personnel had been killed in Pakistan’s retaliatory actions. However, media reports indicate that these figures have not been independently verified.
Both countries have accused each other of violating sovereignty and escalating tensions, while Taliban leadership has warned of further action, creating near war-like conditions in border areas. Pakistan has described the situation as edging toward an “open war.”
The United Nations and the international community have expressed concern over the deteriorating situation and urged both Pakistan and Afghanistan to exercise restraint and resolve the issue through diplomatic dialogue.
Experts warn that continued border hostilities could evolve into a wider military conflict, with growing concerns over the impact on civilian populations on both sides of the border.
