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The escalation follows Pakistan's launch of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq after alleged cross-border attacks, even as the Afghan Taliban signalled willingness for dialogue. Multiple countries and international organisations have meanwhile called for immediate de-escalation between the two sides.
Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions escalate after cross-border strikes; Islamabad claims 297 Taliban fighters killed so far. (File Photo: AP)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 28, 2026 11:48 IST
Military tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have intensified following large-scale cross-border exchanges, with Islamabad launching retaliatory strikes and claiming significant casualties among Afghan Taliban fighters and allied militant groups. Pakistan said it initiated a major counter-offensive, Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, after coordinated attacks were carried out from the Afghan side along multiple points of the frontier. While Islamabad accused the Taliban administration of sheltering anti-Pakistan militant outfits, Kabul rejected the allegations and called for dialogue as international concern mounted over the escalating conflict.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he shares strong relations with Pakistan and described the country as doing “terrifically well.” Responding to a question on whether he would intervene as Pakistan engages in what was described as an “open war” with Afghanistan, Trump said he gets along “very, very well” with Pakistan’s leadership, praising both the country’s political and military leadership and calling them leaders he respects.
Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict: Top developments
Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said their forces have killed 297 Afghan Taliban personnel so far during the ongoing operation. He added that more than 450 fighters linked to Taliban-allied groups were injured in the strikes.
Pakistan said armed groups operating from Afghanistan simultaneously attacked 53 locations along the over 2,600-km border.
Islamabad described the military action as a direct retaliatory response to coordinated cross-border aggression.
Pakistani authorities claimed security forces destroyed 89 Taliban posts during ground and aerial operations. Another 18 positions were captured as troops advanced in contested border sectors.
According to Pakistan’s assessment, nearly 135 tanks and armoured vehicles belonging to Afghan forces or allied fighters were damaged or destroyed. Officials termed the losses a major blow to Taliban-linked combat capability near the border.
Pakistan said its air force carried out precision strikes on 29 locations across Afghan territory. The targets were described as militant infrastructure allegedly used for training and logistics.
Army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry said the Afghan Taliban must choose between maintaining ties with Pakistan or supporting militant outfits. He specifically named groups such as Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, Baloch Liberation Army, Daesh and Al Qaeda.
The Afghan Taliban administration denied allowing militant groups to operate from its soil against Pakistan. Officials instead urged Islamabad to address security challenges through engagement and negotiations.
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said Afghanistan prefers resolving disputes through mutual understanding and respect. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid also said Kabul wants the issue settled through dialogue.
US Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker said Washington conveyed condolences over casualties during the conflict.
She added that the US supports Pakistan’s right to defend itself against militant attacks while monitoring developments.
The United States has also issued a security advisory asking its citizens in Pakistan to exercise caution as the situation along the border remains volatile.
The United Nations and European Union called for an immediate halt to hostilities amid fears of regional instability. Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye and the UAE have initiated parallel diplomatic outreach to both sides to reduce tensions.
- Ends
Published By:
Priyanka Kumari
Published On:
Feb 28, 2026 11:48 IST
