By Trendsetter Tribune 
ISLAMABAD / KABUL — In a dramatic and dangerous escalation that has shocked the region, Pakistan has declared a state of “open war” against the Taliban government in Afghanistan following a series of widespread airstrikes on major Afghan cities, including the capital, Kabul, on Friday, February 27, 2026.
The strikes, which also targeted the southern Taliban stronghold of Kandahar, mark the first time Pakistan has directly targeted Taliban military facilities, rather than just militant hideouts, since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
The “Ghazab Lil Haq” Operation
The airstrikes, reportedly named “Operation Righteous Fury” (Ghazab Lil Haq), were launched in retaliation for a massive border offensive by Afghan forces on Thursday night, during which the Taliban claimed to have captured 15 Pakistani military outposts and killed 40 Pakistani soldiers.
- Widespread Strikes: Witnesses in Kabul and Kandahar reported explosions and jets overhead until dawn. Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed the strikes hit Taliban military offices and posts in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia province.
- Casualty Claims:
- Pakistan: Claims to have hit 22 Afghan military targets and killed 274 Taliban officials and militants.
- Afghanistan: Claims 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed and confirms Pakistani strikes on its major cities, though Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed there were no casualties in the initial night strikes.
“No Limits to Patience”: The Declaration of War
The declaration of war came directly from Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, who posted on social media that Islamabad’s patience had finally reached its breaking point due to cross-border attacks by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group Pakistan alleges is harbored by the Afghan Taliban.
“Our patience has reached its limit. Now it is open war between us and you.” — Khawaja Asif, Defense Minister of Pakistan, Feb 27, 2026
Taliban Response: Calls for Dialogue Amid Clashes
Despite the severe escalation, the Afghan Taliban government has not declared war in return, instead calling for “dialogue” to resolve the conflict. However, they have reported retaliatory actions.
- Taliban Counter-Strikes: Mujahid announced that the Taliban conducted “large-scale offensive operations” at the border in response to Pakistani violations, utilizing drones to target Pakistani military installations.
- Civilian Impact: The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) previously confirmed that Pakistani airstrikes on February 22 killed at least 13 civilians, raising concerns about the humanitarian cost of the new, intensified bombardment.
| Factor | Impact on Regional Stability |
| Drone Warfare | The Taliban’s use of drones far inside Pakistan adds a new, dangerous dimension to the conflict. |
| Regional Rivals | India has condemned Pakistan’s airstrikes, while China, Russia, and Iran have called for immediate dialogue and offered mediation. |
| Belt and Road | The conflict endangers the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), specifically the security of the Kabul-to-Peshawar corridor. |
What’s Next?
- Border Clashes: Fighting is continuing near the key Torkham border crossing, which has been largely closed since October but remains open for Afghans returning from Pakistan.
- Military Mobilization: Pakistan is on high security alert, with the Punjab province taking dozens of Afghan nationals to holding centers for deportation.
- Diplomatic Mediation: International pressure is mounting on both sides to avoid a protracted war, with Turkey and Qatar previously brokering ceasefires that have now failed.