Afghanistan Launches Retaliatory Strikes Against Pakistan

Afghanistan Launches ‘Retaliatory’ Attack on Pakistan, Taliban Says

Afghanistan’s Taliban‑led government says it has launched retaliatory military strikes against Pakistan in a major escalation of cross‑border tensions, following deadly Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghan territory earlier this week. “Afghanistan has launched offensive operations against Pakistani military positions along the border, the Taliban’s spokesperson said on Thursday, in retaliation for recent Pakistani airstrikes,” according to NDTV World.

In a statement posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Thursday that large‑scale offensive operations had begun against Pakistani military positions and installations along the Durand Line, the disputed 2,600‑kilometre border between the two neighbors.

Pakistan conducted a series of airstrikes inside eastern Afghanistan on February 22, targeting alleged militant camps of the Tehreek‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISKP), according to Pakistani officials. Islamabad said the strikes killed dozens of fighters; Afghan authorities said the air raids also killed civilians, deepening the diplomatic rift.

Taliban officials claim their offensive has resulted in the capture of multiple Pakistani military outposts and inflicted casualties on Pakistani forces. Afghan statements published by some regional news outlets cited figures such as 15 posts taken and dozens of Pakistani soldiers killed, although these claims have not been independently verified.

Islamabad accuses the Taliban of initiating the clashes and reiterated its commitment to defending its territorial integrity. “Taliban regime forces are being delivered punishment in Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram and Bajaur sectors. Early reports confirm heavy casualties on Afghan side with multiple posts and equipment destroyed,” the ministry said,” according to Al Jazeera News.

Both sides regularly exchange blame: Pakistan insists that militant groups based in Afghanistan carry out attacks on its soil, a charge the Taliban government denies.

The United Nations and independent monitors have reported civilian casualties resulting from cross‑border strikes and skirmishes, raising concerns about the impact on border communities already affected by years of instability.

Sources:

Al Jazeera: Afghanistan says it launches attacks against Pakistan

NDTV World: Afghanistan Retaliates, Launches “Large-Scale Offensive Ops” Against Pak

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