Afghanistan has launched a military operation along the border targeting Pakistani army bases in retaliation for an airstrike that took place a few days earlier.
Foreign news agencies reported on 26 Feb 2026, citing statements from Taliban government officials, that Afghanistan initiated a "large-scale" military operation against Pakistani army strongholds along the border in response to Pakistan’s attacks earlier that week.
Sabiullah Mujahid, chief spokesperson for the Taliban, posted on the X application: "In response to repeated border violations and unrest caused by Pakistani military forces, a large-scale preemptive operation has been launched against the Pakistani army’s command centers and military positions."
Mujahid added that the operation caused "significant" Pakistani military casualties, with some soldiers captured during the attack along the border that began around 8:00 p.m. on Thursday. The Taliban forces reportedly seized 15 military strongholds.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani government stated that the Taliban miscalculated and initiated unprovoked firing in several areas along the border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in the country’s northwest.
"Initial reports confirm heavy losses on the Afghan side, with multiple strongholds and equipment destroyed," said a statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Information shared on X. "Pakistan will take all necessary measures to preserve territorial integrity as well as the safety and security of its people."
The Afghan military operation followed Pakistan’s airstrikes inside Afghanistan earlier in the week, which the Taliban said killed at least 18 people.
Afghanistan and Pakistan had agreed on a ceasefire to halt clashes in October last year, but sporadic border skirmishes have continued.
Pakistan was once a key supporter of the Taliban after the group was ousted from power in 2001 following the U.S.-led invasion, until the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021.
However, relations have since deteriorated after Pakistan accused the Taliban of harboring the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), an armed rebel group fighting against Pakistani government forces.
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Source:bbc