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Pakistan Declares "Open War" on Afghanistan
What's the News?
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared "open war" with Afghanistan following a sharp escalation in cross-border hostilities. The conflict intensified after Pakistan Air Force (PAF) conducted airstrikes on Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia province in Afghanistan, targeting what Islamabad claimed were Taliban military installations. This followed Afghan forces' retaliatory attacks on Pakistani border positions. Both nations have launched full-scale military operations, marking the most serious confrontation between the neighbours in decades.
Operation Ghazab Lil Haq?
Overview:
Pakistan launched "Operation Ghazab Lil Haq" (Arabic: "Wrath for the Truth") against the Taliban government, involving:
- Airstrikes on 22 locations across Afghanistan including capital Kabul
- Artillery and ground operations along the Durand Line (2,611 km border)
- Targeting of Taliban brigade headquarters, ammunition depots, and border posts
Pakistan's Claims:
- 274 Taliban fighters killed, over 400 injured
- 83 Taliban posts destroyed, 17 captured
- 80+ pieces of equipment destroyed (tanks, artillery, APCs)
- 12 Pakistani soldiers killed, 27 injured in retaliatory attacks
Afghanistan's Claims:
- 55 Pakistani soldiers killed in retaliatory operations
- Two Pakistani military bases captured
- Only 8 Afghan soldiers killed, 11 wounded
- Civilian casualties including women and children in Kabul strikes
Background & Triggers?
Immediate Triggers:
- February 21, 2026: Pakistan conducted initial airstrikes on Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost provinces targeting alleged TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan) and ISIS-K camps
- February 26, 2026: Afghanistan launched "retaliatory operations" against Pakistani border posts
- February 27, 2026: Pakistan declared "open war" and expanded strikes to Kabul and Kandahar
Core Dispute:
- Pakistan accuses Taliban of harbouring TTP militants using Afghan soil to launch attacks inside Pakistan
- February 2026 attacks in Pakistan:
- Islamabad mosque bombing: 36 killed (Shiite mosque)
- Bajaur checkpoint attack: 11 soldiers + 1 child killed
- Bannu attack: Multiple casualties
Historical Context:
- October 2025: Qatar-mediated ceasefire after deadliest border clashes in years (70+ killed)
- February 11, 2026: Pakistan warned of pre-Ramadan strikes if Taliban didn't curb militant activity
- Durand Line dispute: Unresolved border demarcation since British colonial era
International Reactions?
India:
- Strongly condemned Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghan territory
- Called it "another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures"
- Expressed support for Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity
China:
- "Deeply concerned" over escalation
- Urged both sides to exercise restraint
Iran:
- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged dialogue during holy month of Ramadan
- Called for "self-restraint and Islamic solidarity"
United Nations:
- UNAMA confirmed 13+ civilian casualties from initial Pakistani strikes
- Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged adherence to international law
- UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett expressed concern over child casualties
Russia:
- Offered to mediate between the two countries
- Called for immediate halt to cross-border attacks
Qatar & Turkey:
- Qatar: Discussed tension reduction with Pakistani Foreign Minister
- Turkey: Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held calls with both sides
United Kingdom:
- Urged immediate de-escalation and return to mediated dialogue
United States:
- Former Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad called attacks a "terrible dynamic that must stop"
- Proposed diplomatic agreement monitored by third party (suggested Turkey)
Additional Info
Key Entities:
- TTP (Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan): Pakistani militant group ideologically aligned with Afghan Taliban but operationally distinct
- ISIS-K: Islamic State – Khorasan Province, active in Afghanistan-Pakistan region
- Durand Line: 2,611 km disputed border established in 1893
- UNAMA: United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
Casualty Data (Conflicting Claims):
| Source | Claim |
|---|---|
| Pakistan | 274 Taliban killed, 12 Pakistani soldiers killed |
| Afghanistan | 55 Pakistani soldiers killed, 8 Afghan soldiers killed |
| UNAMA | 13+ civilians killed in initial strikes |
Border Crossings:
- Torkham crossing: Remained open for Afghan refugees returning from Pakistan despite conflict
- Other crossings: Largely shut since October 2025 clashes
Previous Mediation:
- October 2025 ceasefire: Qatar-mediated truce lasted until early 2026
- Saudi Arabia: Facilitated release of 3 Pakistani soldiers captured in October 2025