Afghanistan launches strikes into Pakistan after Pakistani air raids
Feb 27th 2026
On Feb 26, 2026, Afghan forces said they carried out cross-border attacks in response to Pakistani airstrikes earlier in the week, while Pakistan denied losses and vowed to protect its territory.
- Afghanistan says it launched retaliatory attacks on Feb 26, 2026, claiming to have captured 17 Pakistani army posts and killed 40 soldiers, claims not independently verified.
- Pakistan denied any soldiers were killed or captured and called Afghanistan's attacks unprovoked.
- Kabul said clashes occurred along five provinces of the 2,611 kilometre Durand Line border.
- The fighting follows Pakistani airstrikes on Sunday that Islamabad said targeted militants and that Afghan officials said struck civilian areas.
- A Qatari-mediated ceasefire established after deadly October clashes has mostly held but recent talks failed to produce a formal agreement.
- Both sides have released conflicting statements and footage, and independent verification of battlefield claims is currently lacking.