Afghanistan strikes Pakistan

Kabul Rocked by Explosions as Pakistan Declares ‘Open War’ with Afghanistan

Kabul, Afghanistan – Explosions and gunfire erupted in the Afghan capital Kabul on Sunday, marking the fourth day of escalating conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan. A Reuters journalist on the ground reported the blasts occurred before sunrise, followed by intermittent bursts of gunfire across parts of the city.

The nature of the targets and any potential casualties remain unclear. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Taliban administration, stated the sounds were a result of Afghan forces targeting Pakistani aircraft over Kabul, urging residents not to be alarmed.

The escalating violence follows a series of airstrikes carried out by Pakistan within Afghanistan this week, which Pakistani officials claim targeted militant infrastructure. Afghanistan has condemned the strikes as a violation of its sovereignty and responded with retaliatory operations along the countries’ shared border.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s office, information ministry, and military have yet to comment on the latest developments.

Both nations have reported significant losses, though casualty figures remain unverified by independent sources. This latest confrontation represents the most serious armed conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan since a Qatari-mediated ceasefire in October, according to reporting from the Associated Press.

The 2,600-kilometer (1,615-mile) border between the two countries has long been a source of tension, and the current escalation raises fears of a broader, more sustained conflict. Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Mohammad Asif, stated on Friday that the situation had reached a state of “open war,” a declaration that underscores the gravity of the situation.

The conflict’s roots are complex, stemming from long-standing accusations of cross-border terrorism and support for insurgent groups. Al Jazeera provides detailed context on the underlying causes of the fighting, highlighting the delicate geopolitical landscape of the region.

Published March 1, 2026, 9:44 am IST.

Clashes Erupt Between Pakistani and Afghan Forces, Claims Diverge

Kunar Province, Afghanistan – Deadly clashes along the border between Pakistani and Afghan forces have left a trail of conflicting reports and raised concerns about escalating tensions between the two nations. The incidents, occurring near the Torkham border crossing, have resulted in reported casualties on both sides and injuries to civilians.

According to Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, Afghan forces seized over 15 Pakistani outposts within a two-hour period. Mujahid claimed “dozens” of Pakistani soldiers were killed, with ten bodies reportedly transferred to Kunar and surrounding areas, alongside an unspecified number of wounded and captured soldiers.

However, a spokesperson for Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vehemently denied these claims, stating that no Pakistani posts were captured or damaged. The Pakistani side alleges its forces retaliated, inflicting “heavy losses” on the Afghan side.

The violence also impacted civilians. An Afghan official reported multiple injuries near the Torkham border crossing, specifically at a camp housing individuals returning from Pakistan.

These clashes follow a period of heightened tensions, including reports from late October 2025 that the Taliban ordered the construction of a dam on the Kunar River, a move Pakistan fears will restrict its water supply. This dam project, authorized by Taliban Supreme Leader Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada, comes after deadly skirmishes along the disputed Durand Line.

The situation remains fluid, and independent verification of the claims made by both sides is currently unavailable. The exchange of fire underscores the fragile security situation in the region and the potential for further escalation. The border area has long been a source of contention, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of harboring militants and Afghanistan disputing the legitimacy of the Durand Line, the border established during British colonial rule.

Afghanistan-Pakistan : Combats à Kaboul, échanges de tirs signalés

Kabul Rocked by Explosions as Pakistan Declares ‘Open War’ with Afghanistan

Afghanistan-Pakistan : Affrontements à la frontière

Clashes Erupt Between Pakistani and Afghan Forces, Claims Diverge