ISLAMABAD/KABUL — Tensions that have simmered for months along the Durand Line finally boiled over into a full-scale military confrontation today. Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, officially declared “open war” on the Taliban government, stating that the Pakistani armed forces are delivering a “crushing response” to Afghan “aggression.”
1. Operation Ghazab lil-Haq: The Impact
Pakistan has released satellite and ground-level footage of the strikes. According to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, the operation has targeted high-value military infrastructure:
- Strategic Losses: Pakistan claims to have destroyed two corp headquarters, three brigade headquarters, and two ammunition depots in Kabul and Kandahar.
- Casualties: Islamabad reports 133 Afghan fighters killed and over 200 wounded. They also claim to have destroyed more than 80 tanks and armored vehicles.
- Kandahar Strikes: Notably, strikes were reported in Kandahar, the power base of Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, though Kabul has not confirmed if he was a specific target.
2. The Afghan Response
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the airstrikes but offered a contrasting view of the situation:
- “No Casualties”: In a post on X, Mujahid claimed there were no casualties from the Pakistani strikes in Kabul or Kandahar.
- Retaliatory Operations: Kabul announced “large-scale offensive operations” against Pakistani military positions along the border in Kandahar, Helmand, and the Durand Line.
- Afghan Claims: The Afghan Ministry of Defense claims its forces killed 55 Pakistani soldiers and captured several border posts on Thursday night before the airstrikes began.
3. A Fragile Ceasefire Shattered
The current violence marks the total collapse of the Qatar-mediated ceasefire agreed upon in late 2025.
- The Sunday Trigger: The escalation began on February 22, when Pakistan struck Nangarhar, claiming to kill 70 militants. Afghanistan alleged those strikes hit a madrassa and killed 18 civilians, including women and children.
- Geopolitical Stakes: PM Shehbaz Sharif has stated that the nation stands “shoulder to shoulder” with the military, while India has reportedly condemned the airstrikes on Afghan territory.
Casualty and Damage Reports: Conflicting Data
| Metric | Pakistan Claim (Islamabad) | Afghanistan Claim (Kabul) |
| Afghan Fighters Killed | 133 | 8 |
| Pakistani Soldiers Killed | 2 | 55 |
| Military Targets Hit | 2 Corp HQs, 3 Brigade HQs | 17 border posts captured |
| Equipment Destroyed | 80+ tanks/armored vehicles | Dozens of pieces of equipment seized |