28-02-2026

Pakistan and Afghanistan Engaged in 'Open War'

Date: 28-02-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | cbsnews.com: 1 | foxnews.com: 1 | france24.com: 1 | news.sky.com: 1 | scmp.com: 1

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Summary

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated into an 'open war' following a series of cross-border attacks and airstrikes, resulting in significant casualties on both sides and prompting international calls for de-escalation and dialogue.

Key Points

  • Pakistan's defence minister declared the country to be in 'open war' with Afghanistan after a series of airstrikes and cross-border clashes.
  • Both countries have accused each other of harbouring militants and launching unprovoked attacks on military posts.
  • The conflict has resulted in heavy losses on both sides, with sharply differing casualty figures reported.
  • International actors, including the US, UK, EU, and Iran, have called for de-escalation and mediated dialogue between the two nations.
  • The situation risks becoming a protracted conflict due to entrenched positions on both sides.

Articles in this Cluster

Pakistan defence minister says country in 'open war' with Afghanistan after strikes

Pakistan's defence minister has declared the country to be in 'open war' with Afghanistan following a series of airstrikes launched by Islamabad in response to alleged Taliban attacks on Pakistani military posts. The escalation in tensions between the two nations comes after months of clashes despite a fragile ceasefire agreed in October. The Taliban claimed to have captured 19 Pakistani military posts and killed 55 soldiers, while Pakistan stated it had hit 22 Afghan military targets and killed over 200 Taliban fighters. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with civilians also affected. International actors, including Iran and the UK, have called for de-escalation and dialogue between the two nations.
Entities: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Taliban, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, KabulTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Pakistan declares "open war" with Afghanistan amid unprecedented escalation between the neighbors - CBS News

Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated their conflict, with Pakistan's defense minister declaring 'open war' after a series of tit-for-tat clashes along their border. Pakistan launched airstrikes on major Afghan cities, including Kabul, in response to Afghan forces attacking Pakistani border troops. The Taliban government in Afghanistan claimed to have carried out unprecedented aerial attacks on Pakistani military bases and strategic facilities. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with reports of civilian injuries and deaths. The international community, including the US, is closely monitoring the situation.
Entities: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kabul, Islamabad, TalibanTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Pakistan and Afghanistan exchange cross-border fire in escalating conflict | Fox News

Afghanistan and Pakistan exchanged significant cross-border fire along their shared border, escalating hostilities between the two countries. The clashes began after the Taliban launched retaliatory strikes on Pakistani military positions, while Islamabad claimed it was responding to unprovoked fire. The conflict has resulted in reported casualties on both sides, with the Taliban claiming to have killed and captured Pakistani soldiers, and Pakistan stating that they had killed Taliban personnel. The fighting follows Pakistan's accusations that the Taliban is sheltering militants responsible for a surge in violence and suicide attacks.
Entities: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Taliban, Durand Line, KabulTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Live: Two blasts rock Afghanistan's Jalalabad city as diplomatic efforts intensify - France 24

Two loud explosions rocked Jalalabad in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday morning, as tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalated. Pakistan had conducted airstrikes on Afghanistan, targeting at least 37 locations, claiming to have killed over 300 Afghan forces. The European Union and Iran called for de-escalation and dialogue between the two countries. A Pakistani fighter jet crashed in Jalalabad, and its pilot was captured alive by Afghan forces. The US backed Pakistan's 'right to defend itself' against Taliban attacks.
Entities: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Jalalabad, European Union, TalibanTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Pakistan says it is in 'open war' with Afghanistan | World News | Sky News

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has declared that the country is in 'open war' with Afghanistan following a series of cross-border attacks and strikes between the two nations. The escalation comes after months of tensions and skirmishes along their 1,615-mile border, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of harbouring Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants. Afghanistan denies the accusation. The conflict has resulted in heavy losses on both sides, with sharply differing casualty figures reported. The international community, including the UK, has expressed concern and urged both sides to de-escalate and engage in mediated dialogue.
Entities: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Taliban, Tehrik-e-Taliban PakistanTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Pakistan-Taliban showdown risks becoming a protracted war of attrition | South China Morning Post

Pakistan and Afghanistan's Taliban authorities are engaged in a widening confrontation that risks becoming a protracted conflict along their volatile border. Pakistan has vowed to continue striking military targets inside Afghanistan until the Taliban takes action against militant groups operating from Afghan soil. The conflict escalated with Pakistani warplanes and drones striking command-and-control centers and logistical infrastructure in eastern Afghanistan. Analysts warn that mediation efforts by regional powers are unlikely to deliver a swift breakthrough due to entrenched positions on both sides.
Entities: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Taliban, Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), IslamabadTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform