Pak-Afghanistan ‘open war’ LIVE: 130 Taliban fighters killed, says Islamabad amid ‘open war’ and ‘crush aggressor’ warning
Pak-Afghanistan ‘open war’ LIVE: Pakistan has reportedly claimed that 133 Afghan Taliban fighters were killed and more than 200 wounded in its latest military offensive. Warning Kabul of escalation, Islamabad Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the armed forces have the capability to “crush any aggressive ambitions,” while defence minister Khawaja Asif declared that “our patience has reached its limit” and warned that it was now “open war” between the two sides….Read More
Fresh gunfire and shelling was reported by news agency AFP journalists near the key Torkham border crossing. Incoming shelling was heard from the Afghan side from around 9:30 am (0500 GMT) on Friday, followed by cross-border exchanges.
Pakistani Air Force (PAF) jets are reported to be patrolling the skies over Afghanistan’s Kandahar region, Pakistan’s Dawn reported citing State media. “The Pakistan Armed Forces are fully prepared for any aggression and possess the capability to deliver a befitting response,” the broadcaster quoted security sources as saying.
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated sharply overnight, with both sides claiming heavy losses and launching retaliatory strikes across the disputed border. Explosions and gunfire were reported in Kabul and Kandahar even as leaders in Islamabad and Kabul traded accusations of aggression.
The ministry of national defence of Afghanistan said 55 Pakistani soldiers were reportedly killed in retaliatory operations carried out along the Durand Line on Thursday. The 2,611-km border – known as the Durand Line – has never been officially recognised by Afghanistan and has long remained a flashpoint.
In a press release, the ministry said the operation began at 8:00 PM on the 9th of Ramadan, corresponding to February 26. It described the action as a response to what it called a violation of Afghan territory by Pakistani military forces days earlier.
According to the ministry, Afghan forces targeted Pakistani military posts in the eastern and southeastern directions along the Durand Line, near Paktika, Paktia, Khost, Nangarhar, Kunar and Nuristan provinces.
Pakistan calls strikes ‘befitting response’
Islamabad, however, pushed back strongly. Pakistan’s interior minister Mohsin Naqvi said Friday that the strikes on Afghanistan were a “befitting response”, as blasts and gunfire rang out in Kabul and Kandahar.
“Pakistan’s armed forces have given a befitting response to the Afghan Taliban’s open aggression,” Naqvi said, hours after Afghan forces attacked Pakistani border troops. He described the Afghan action as “open aggression,” reported AFP.
Pakistan’s information ministry said Afghanistan had “opened unprovoked fire on multiple locations” across the border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It added that the firing was “being met with immediate, and effective response”.
Pakistan gives ‘open war’ warning after Afghanistan’s retaliatory strikes: 10 top developments
1. Pakistan carried out airstrikes on major Afghan cities, including Kabul and Kandahar, triggering fresh retaliation from the Taliban government.
2. Afghan forces launched cross-border attacks on Pakistani troops, describing them as retaliation for earlier deadly air raids.
3. Kabul claimed 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed in a four-hour operation along the Durand Line, saying two bases and 19 posts were captured.
4. The Taliban government also said eight Afghan fighters were killed and 11 injured, and alleged that 13 civilians were wounded in a missile strike on a refugee camp in Nangarhar.
5. Pakistan disputed the figures, with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar reportedly saying only two Pakistani soldiers were killed and three injured.
6. Islamabad claimed at least 133 Afghan fighters were killed and over 200 wounded, and said 27 Afghan posts were destroyed and nine captured, reported PTI.
7. Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil Haq, describing it as a retaliatory campaign after alleged Taliban attacks on border posts.
8. Defence minister Khawaja Asif declared an “all-out confrontation”, saying: “Our patience has reached its limit. Now it is open war between us and you.”
9. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s forces have the capability to “crush any aggressive ambitions,” while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called the strikes a “befitting response.”
10. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both sides to protect civilians under international law and resolve differences through diplomacy, as tensions continue to spiral.
Follow all the updates here:
Feb 27, 2026 4:32:50 PM IST
Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told reporters on Friday that Afghanistan wants to resolve its latest conflict with Pakistan through dialogue. The statement comes amid intense fighting between the neighbours this week.
Feb 27, 2026 4:30:19 PM IST
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif plans a visit to Russia on March 3-5, Russian state news agency RIA reported, citing a Pakistani official.
Feb 27, 2026 4:28:46 PM IST
Russia urged Afghanistan and Pakistan on Friday to halt cross-border attacks immediately and resolve their differences by diplomatic means.
Russia is the only country to officially recognise the Taliban government of Afghanistan, and also has good relations with Pakistan.
“Of course, the direct military clashes that have taken place do not bode well. Therefore we hope that they will cease as soon as possible… Like everyone else, we are closely monitoring this situation,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
Feb 27, 2026 4:25:54 PM IST
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul-Hassan Lanjar has issued a statement saying that in view of the current situation, the security of the entire province “should be on high alert”, according to spokesperson Sohail Ahmed Jokhio.
“There is no compromise on the defense, sovereignty and security of the beloved homeland,” he said, adding that Pakistan reserves the constitutional, legal and moral right to protect its borders.
“The professionalism, courage and sacrifice of the security forces are a source of pride for the entire nation,” he said.
Lanjar added that the Sindh government is in complete coordination with the federal government and the armed forces on the issue of national security, saying that “every possible step will be taken for national stability, peace and sovereignty”.
Feb 27, 2026 4:16:38 PM IST
The British foreign minister Yvette Cooper has urged ‘de-escalation’ in Pakistan-Afghanistan fighting, joining the global call for halting the conflict in South Asia.
“We urge both sides to take immediate steps toward de-escalation, avoid further harm to civilians, and re-engage in mediated dialogue,” Britain’s top diplomat said on X.
Feb 27, 2026 4:13:23 PM IST
Karachi’s Additional Inspector General Azad Khan has said that orders have been issued to put the entire city on high alert, according to the spokesperson for the Karachi Police quoted by the Dawn.
“The police chief has directed to make security arrangements at all sensitive installations, important government and semi-government offices, important buildings, airports, railway stations, bus terminals and other public places more stringent and effective,” the spokesperson’s statement said.
Feb 27, 2026 3:48:14 PM IST
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Sohail Afridi addressed rising tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, emphasising the government’s commitment to security and public safety.
“The recent tension on the Pak-Afghan border is concerning; we are closely monitoring the situation,” Afridi was quoted by Dawn newspaper as saying.
He reaffirmed the government’s resolve, stating, “Protecting every inch of Pakistan is our national duty; we will not allow anyone to compromise the security of border areas.”
Afridi added, “We condemn any kind of provocation and external aggression on the Pak-Afghan border; there will be no compromise on national security.”
He also highlighted ongoing coordination with relevant institutions, noting, “Protecting the people of border areas is the government’s top priority.”
The chief minister confirmed that the administration was taking proactive measures to safeguard lives and property in border districts. He acknowledged public concerns over the situation.
Feb 27, 2026 3:39:54 PM IST
Pakistan has said that a schoolgirl has been injured while other children narrowly survived a drone attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Swabi district.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Muhammad Numan told Dawn newspaper that a heavy police contingent immediately reached the venue where the attack took place.
The incident reportedly occurred in Pabbini, a village in the mountainous region of Gadoon Amazai. According to the ASP, the injured girl has been taken to the hospital.
Feb 27, 2026 3:24:06 PM IST
According to Pakistani information minister Attaullah Trar’s post on X, the drones were “brought down” in Abbottabad, Swabi and Nowshera.
Feb 27, 2026 3:13:54 PM IST
The Afghan Taliban “successfully conducted” air strikes using drones to hit military targets in Pakistan, its defence ministry and a government spokesperson said on Friday, as fighting between the neighbours continued.
Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Pakistani Taliban militants had tried to use drones against targets in Pakistan, but they were brought down by anti-drone systems, and there was “no damage to life”.
Feb 27, 2026 3:11:31 PM IST
The Turkish foreign minister discussed the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict with counterparts from both countries, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, AFP reported, quoting a Turkish diplomatic source.
Feb 27, 2026 3:01:08 PM IST
Iran offered to help facilitate dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan after Islamabad declared the neighbours at “open war”, carrying out air strikes on Kabul following border clashes.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to provide any assistance necessary to facilitate dialogue and to enhance understanding and cooperation between the two countries,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X.
Iran, which shares borders with both Pakistan and Afghanistan, has maintained close ties with Pakistan and has also engaged with the Taliban authorities, though it has not formally recognised their rule.
During a previous round of hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan in October, Iran had offered to mediate between them.
Feb 27, 2026 2:59:35 PM IST
The Senate of Pakistan has passed a resolution saying it “unequivocally condemns” the recent “acts of aggression and hostile cross-border actions from Afghanistan”, and that any attempt to challenge Pakistan’s sovereignty and national security will be met with a “firm, proportionate and decisive response”.
Feb 27, 2026 2:46:20 PM IST
Security has been placed on high alert in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mohmand district amid tensions along the Pak-Afghan border, the Dawn reported, quoting officials.
The report also added that three artillery shells were fired from the Afghan side near an FC camp in the Sheikh Baba area. However, no casualties or material losses were reported.
Following the incidents, security arrangements across Mohmand district have been further tightened.
Additional personnel have been deployed at sensitive locations, while strict checks are underway at various checkpoints, markets, and entry and exit points.
Officials said aerial surveillance by helicopter flights was continuing in border areas, adding that the situation was being closely monitored to ensure law and order and prevent any untoward incidents.
Feb 27, 2026 2:25:32 PM IST
Pakistan-Afghanistan ‘war’ live updates: China’s foreign Ministry says it is deeply concerned over the escalating situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Speaking at a weekly press briefing, spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing has been mediating the conflict through its own channels and is willing to play a constructive role in easing tensions, Reuters reported.
Earlier, Iran foreign minister has also offerred the nation’s willingness to mediate a peace pact between the two neighbours.
Feb 27, 2026 2:14:23 PM IST
(REUTERS)
Pakistan-Afghanistan ‘war’ live updates: A striking image captures Taliban soldiers carrying a rocket launcher in a vehicle near the Torkham border in Afghanistan on February 27, 2026, following exchanges of fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces.
Feb 27, 2026 2:01:43 PM IST
Pakistan-Afghanistan ‘war’ live updates: In October 2025, Afghanistan and Pakistan reached a ceasefire following talks in Doha, mediated by Qatar and Turkiye, after more than a week of deadly clashes along their contested 2,600 km (1,600-mile) border.
The ceasefire had largely held, though sporadic violations continued, until the recent flare-up reignited tensions between the neighbours.
Feb 27, 2026 1:19:19 PM IST
Pakistan-Afghanistan ‘war’ live updates: Returnees at the Omari camp near Torkham described chaotic and terrifying scenes following an overnight mortar strike.
Gander Khan, a 65-year-old returnee, told AFP, “Children, women, and old people were running. I saw blood, it wounded two or three children, and two or three women,” standing amid rows of tents.
Another returnee said panic caused children to go missing. “Some have left their papers, and just escaped. They didn’t even take their money, they didn’t take their aid which they received. Because of fear, everyone left,” the 44-year-old said.
Feb 27, 2026 1:14:25 PM IST
Pakistan-Afghanistan ‘war’ live updates: The Omari camp near the Torkham border crossing, which houses returnees from Pakistan, was hit by a mortar shell overnight, AFP quoted a Nangarhar provincial official as saying.
“Unfortunately seven of our refugees have been wounded, and the condition of one woman is serious,” said Qureshi Badlun, Nangarhar’s information chief.
The incident comes amid ongoing clashes between Pakistani forces and Taliban security personnel along the border.
Feb 27, 2026 1:08:36 PM IST
Pakistan-Afghanistan ‘war’ live updates: According to Pakistan’s information minister Attaullah Tarar, 133 Afghan Taliban fighters have been killed and more than 200 injured in the fighting.
The Taliban government, however, reported that eight of its fighters were killed and 11 wounded. It also claimed to have killed 55 Pakistani soldiers and captured two military bases and 19 posts.
Pakistan says two of its personnel were killed in the ongoing cross-border clashes.
(Agencies)
Feb 27, 2026 12:57:26 PM IST
Pakistan-Afghanistan ‘war’ live updates: As fighting continues along the border, several international actors have called for restraint and diplomacy to prevent further escalation.
United Nations: UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the UN Special Rapporteur for Afghanistan Richard Bennett have appealed for calm, stressing the protection of civilians and adherence to international human rights and humanitarian law. Bennett said on X, “Immediate de-escalation is essential,” echoing Guterres’ earlier calls for dialogue.
Iran: Foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi offered to help facilitate talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Posting on X, he said Tehran is ready to provide any assistance to strengthen understanding and cooperation, urging both neighbours to resolve differences through dialogue and good neighbourliness.
China: Beijing voiced deep concern over the clashes. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the country has been mediating through its own channels and is willing to play a constructive role in cooling the situation, reported Reuters.
Russia: Moscow has urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to immediately stop cross-border attacks and resolve differences through diplomatic means, according to the Russian foreign ministry cited by RIA news agency.
Feb 27, 2026 12:51:52 PM IST
Pakistan-Afghanistan ‘war’ live updates: China has expressed deep concern over the recent escalation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, where clashes erupted after the Taliban launched what it described as retaliatory strikes on Pakistani installations, Reuters reported on Friday.
During a regular press briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing has been mediating the conflict through its own channels and is willing to play a constructive role in easing tensions between the two neighbours.
Feb 27, 2026 12:33:16 PM IST
Pakistan-Afghanistan ‘war’ live updates: Russia has called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to immediately stop cross-border attacks and resolve their differences through diplomacy, reported RIA news agency on Friday, citing the Russian foreign ministry.
Feb 27, 2026 12:00:14 PM IST
Pakistan-Afghanistan ‘war’ live updates: Gunfire and shelling was reported by news agency AFP journalists near the key Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan on Friday, as deadly clashes resumed between the neighbours.
Incoming shelling was heard from the Afghan side from around 9:30 am (0500 GMT), followed by cross-border exchanges, while distant gunfire echoed across the frontier.
One journalist saw additional Afghan soldiers moving toward the border before being instructed to leave the area by security forces.
Despite the fighting, the Torkham crossing has remained open for Afghans returning from Pakistan, even though most of the land border has been largely closed since deadly clashes in October.
Feb 27, 2026 11:55:04 AM IST
Pakistan-Afghanistan ‘war’ live updates: The news agency AFP’s journalists on the ground have reported fresh clashes near a major Afghanistan-Pakistan border crossing.
(AFP)
(AFP)Load More