KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghanistan said Friday, February 27, 2026 that it carried out “coordinated airstrikes” targeting military installations inside Pakistan, in what officials described as retaliation for earlier Pakistani attacks on Afghan territory.
Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry said the strikes were launched at approximately 11:00 a.m. local time and targeted what it called a military camp near Faizabad in Islamabad, a base in Nowshera, positions in Jamrud and additional sites in Abbottabad.
Pakistan had not immediately issued an official response to the claims.
Escalation After Border Clashes
The reported strikes follow a sharp deterioration in relations between the two neighbors since late Thursday, when Kabul announced it had begun “retaliatory operations” along the border in response to Pakistani airstrikes carried out last Sunday.
According to Afghan authorities, the latest operations were a response to what they described as aerial incursions by Pakistani forces overnight into Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia provinces.
“The strikes were carried out in response to the aerial incursions conducted last night by Pakistani forces,” the Afghan Defense Ministry said in a statement.
Tolo News, citing local sources, reported that a mortar shell allegedly fired by Pakistani forces struck a civilian home near Angoor Ada in the Barmal district of Paktika province.
The outlet said three civilians, including children, were killed and seven others wounded.
Casualties on Both Sides
At least 11 people were killed in Pakistan during the recent exchanges, including a civilian and two soldiers, according to Pakistani sources.
Afghan officials said eight Afghan soldiers were killed in the confrontations.
The cross-border violence marks one of the most serious flare-ups in months between the two countries, whose relations have steadily worsened amid mutual accusations over militant activity.
Disputed Narratives
The escalation began after Pakistan conducted airstrikes inside Afghanistan last Sunday, claiming it killed 70 “terrorists.”
Afghan authorities and the United Nations disputed that account, reporting civilian casualties. Islamabad has denied targeting civilians.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused militant groups of operating from Afghan territory and launching attacks across the border — a charge Kabul rejects. Afghan officials, in turn, accuse Pakistan of violating Afghan sovereignty.
Despite ongoing diplomatic contacts aimed at de-escalation, tensions have intensified in recent weeks, raising fears of a broader confrontation between the two neighbouring states.
With both sides trading accusations and military action, regional observers warn that continued retaliatory strikes could destabilise an already fragile border region.
