Pakistani jet downed over Jalalabad; regional diplomacy seeks to contain escalation
Feb 28th 2026
Afghan officials report shooting down a Pakistani military jet and capturing the pilot as Kabul also says it struck Pakistani bases overnight, while Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Iran urge de-escalation and offer diplomatic help.
- Afghan officials say they downed a Pakistani military jet over Jalalabad and captured the pilot alive.
- Afghanistan's Ministry of Defense says it carried out overnight airstrikes on Miranshah and Spinwam in Pakistan, claiming the bases were destroyed and heavy casualties occurred.
- Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi spoke with Qatari and Saudi officials, who urged de-escalation and offered diplomatic support.
- The UAE and Iran called for restraint and a diplomatic resolution, warning of wider humanitarian and security risks.