Afghanistan Announces Retaliatory Offensive Against Pakistani Positions

On 26/02/2026, the authorities of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan announced the launch of large-scale retaliatory military operations against positions held by the Pakistan Armed Forces along the Durand Line, the border separating Afghanistan and Pakistan. Afghan officials stated that the offensive was carried out in response to Pakistani airstrikes earlier in the week, which Kabul said resulted in the deaths of at least 18 civilians, including women and children. The Afghan Ministry of Defense described the actions as “large-scale offensive operations” intended to respond to what it characterized as repeated cross-border attacks. According to statements released by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, Afghan forces targeted Pakistani installations in several border provinces, including Khost, Kunar, Nangarhar, and Paktia. Afghan officials said units participating in the operation included specialized night-combat teams referred to as “laser units.” Afghan authorities reported that their forces captured more than 15 Pakistani military outposts during the clashes and claimed that 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed. These figures were reported by Afghan officials and had not been independently verified at the time of the announcement. The offensive followed Pakistan’s declaration earlier the same day that it had entered what officials described as “open war” with the Afghan Taliban authorities. Following Pakistani airstrikes reported in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktika Province, Afghan officials condemned the attacks as violations of Afghan sovereignty. Zabihullah Mujahid stated that initial assessments indicated no casualties from the strikes in major cities and dismissed Pakistani claims of large militant losses as inaccurate. Afghan authorities also accused Pakistani forces of striking civilian areas, including residential buildings and a religious school, rather than military facilities. Diplomatically, the Afghan government stated that it continued to support dialogue despite the escalation. Mujahid said the authorities had consistently attempted to resolve disputes with Pakistan through negotiations. Kabul also rejected Pakistani accusations that it allows the militant group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to operate from Afghan territory, arguing that Pakistan’s security challenges were domestic issues. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan summoned Pakistan’s ambassador to Kabul to protest the strikes and reaffirm Afghanistan’s position that defending its territory is a national responsibility under its governing framework. Afghan officials warned that continued military actions would lead to further responses along the border.