The recent escalation between Pakistan and Afghanistan has intensified dramatically, with Pakistan launching Operation Ghazab lil Haq (translated as “Wrath for the Truth” or similar) in the early hours of February 27, 2026 (around 3:40 a.m. local time in Afghanistan). This marked a significant shift from prior border skirmishes to deeper strikes, including into major cities, prompting Pakistani officials to describe the situation as an “open war” against the Taliban regime.
Quick Summary
- Both sides dispute casualty figures, and the Taliban denied losses while warning of retaliation as tensions escalate.
- Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil Haq around 3:40 a.m., targeting sites in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia.
- Strikes focused on command centres, ammunition depots, vehicles, and border posts.
- Pakistani officials claimed 133 Taliban fighters were killed and more than 200 injured.
- The action followed recent border clashes, with Afghanistan saying dozens of Pakistani troops were killed.
Background and Trigger
Tensions have simmered for months due to Pakistan’s accusations that the Taliban government in Kabul provides safe havens for militants from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who carry out attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban denies this, insisting Pakistan’s security issues are internal. A fragile Qatar-mediated ceasefire from 2025 had held unevenly, but recent events shattered it:
- Earlier in February (around February 22), Pakistan conducted airstrikes on alleged TTP hideouts in eastern Afghan provinces like Nangarhar and Paktika, killing militants per Islamabad but causing civilian deaths according to Afghan sources.
- On February 26 (Thursday night), Afghan forces launched retaliatory cross-border attacks on Pakistani military positions along the Durand Line (the disputed 2,600 km border), particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa sectors like Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram, and Bajaur. Afghanistan claimed to kill dozens of Pakistani soldiers (reports vary from 40–55), capture 15–19 outposts, and seize some troops alive. Pakistan dismissed these as exaggerated or “fantasy,” reporting minimal or no losses on their side.
Pakistan described the Afghan actions as “unprovoked aggression,” leading to the rapid launch of Operation Ghazab lil Haq as a “befitting response.”
Details of the Pakistani Strikes
Pakistan’s military, primarily via the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), targeted what it called Taliban command centers, headquarters, ammunition depots, vehicles, border posts, and other military facilities. Key locations hit included:
- Kabul (the capital, with reports of multiple blasts and jets overhead; some strikes on Taliban defense targets).
- Kandahar (Taliban’s southern power base and home to supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada).
- Paktia (southeastern province; reports of a corps headquarters destroyed).
Pakistani officials and sources (including Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and security briefings) claimed significant success:
- 133 Taliban fighters killed.
- Over 200 wounded (with more casualties expected).
- Destruction of multiple headquarters, posts, vehicles, and infrastructure.
There are also mentions of PAF jets patrolling over Kandahar skies post-strikes.
Taliban Response and Claims
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, labeling them “cowardly” but insisting no casualties occurred on their side and that some targeted residential or civilian areas. They vowed retaliation and announced “extensive retaliatory operations” against Pakistani military centers, including from Kandahar and Helmand provinces. Earlier Afghan claims from the border clashes were far more aggressive, but they downplayed losses from the latest strikes.
Casualty figures remain heavily disputed:
- Pakistan reports high Taliban losses and minimal own damage.
- Taliban denies major losses and claims successes in border actions.
- Independent verification is limited amid the fast-moving situation.
Broader Implications
- Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif explicitly stated “our cup of patience has overflowed” and declared “open war” or “all-out confrontation.”
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned Pakistan’s forces could “crush” aggressors.
- International calls for restraint have emerged from the UN, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and others, urging dialogue amid fears of protracted conflict.
- The Durand Line dispute and militant safe-haven issues remain core flashpoints.
This story is developing rapidly based on reports from sources like Al Jazeera, Reuters, The New York Times, Dawn, and others, as well as real-time X posts. Claims from both sides should be treated cautiously, as propaganda plays a role in such conflicts. Verification from multiple independent outlets is recommended as events unfold. If you’d like deeper dives into specific aspects (e.g., military comparisons or historical context), let me know!
