Open war between Pakistan and Afghanistan: Taliban claims – military base in Islamabad targeted, Pak says – 133 Afghan fighters killed

Pakistan and Afghanistan now appear to be on the brink of open war after fresh airstrikes and retaliatory battlefield claims dramatically escalated cross-border hostilities. Pakistan’s Air Force has carried out a new wave of strikes across multiple Afghan provinces, while Taliban authorities claim to have targeted key Pakistani military installations, including the Faizabad military base near Islamabad. The rapid exchange of air and ground operations marks one of the most intense confrontations between the two sides in recent years.

Taliban Claims Major Strike on Pakistani Forces

According to TOLO News, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed in the late-night assault. Afghan officials further claim that 23 Pakistani bodies are in their custody and that several military positions, including 19 posts and a headquarters facility, were seized during the operation.

These figures have not been independently verified, and Pakistani authorities have not confirmed the numbers cited by Afghan sources.

Pakistan Launches Operation ‘Ghazab Lil Haq’

In response, Pakistan announced the launch of Operation ‘Ghazab Lil Haq’, describing it as a decisive counter-offensive. Pakistani Air Force jets reportedly conducted strikes in Kabul, Kandahar, Nangarhar, Paktika, Paktia, Laghman and Khost provinces.

Pakistan claims that 133 Afghan fighters were killed and more than 200 injured in the latest round of air operations. Officials also stated that multiple Taliban positions were destroyed. As with Afghan claims, these figures remain independently unverified.

Unverified Reports of Jet Downed

Afghan media outlets have reported that Taliban fighters shot down a Pakistani military jet during the confrontation. However, no visual confirmation or official acknowledgment has been provided by Pakistani authorities.

The lack of independent verification on both sides underscores the information fog surrounding the rapidly evolving conflict.

Statements from Pakistani Leadership

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared that the country’s “patience has been exhausted,” describing the situation as an open war scenario. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s information ministry circulated video footage on X showing what it described as precision strikes carried out by the Pakistan Air Force in Afghan territory.

How the Latest Phase Began

The immediate trigger for the escalation traces back to Pakistan’s February 22 airstrikes inside Afghanistan targeting alleged Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and ISIS-linked positions. Islamabad maintains that those operations were based on intelligence indicating cross-border militant activity.

Afghanistan’s Taliban administration condemned those earlier strikes as violations of sovereignty and warned of retaliation. Thursday night’s assault appears to be that response, followed by Pakistan’s expanded air campaign.

Casualty Figures Remain Disputed

Combined battlefield claims from both sides suggest nearly 200 fatalities, though these numbers remain contested and unverified. Independent observers have not confirmed the scale of destruction or casualties.

The significant discrepancy between official narratives highlights the absence of neutral monitoring mechanisms in the conflict zone.

Strategic and Regional Implications

The widening air campaign raises concerns about broader regional instability. Continued escalation could affect trade routes, security cooperation frameworks, and major infrastructure projects including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Security analysts warn that sustained cross-border air operations increase the risk of miscalculation, particularly if either side expands targeting beyond frontier provinces.

Durand Line at the Center of Tensions

The Durand Line, long disputed by Afghan authorities, remains central to the crisis. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, tensions over border fencing, militant sanctuaries, and sovereignty claims have intensified.

Previous mediation attempts failed to produce a lasting agreement, and the current escalation suggests diplomatic channels are under severe strain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What triggered the latest airstrikes?

The escalation followed Pakistan’s February 22 air operations and subsequent Taliban retaliatory claims.

Are casualty numbers confirmed?

Both sides have issued figures, but independent verification is currently unavailable.

What is Operation ‘Ghazab Lil Haq’?

It is the name given by Pakistan to its ongoing counter-offensive in response to Taliban claims of an assault.

Was a Pakistani jet shot down?

Afghan media reported such a claim, but there is no official confirmation from Pakistan.

Could this escalate further?

Security analysts warn that continued cross-border air campaigns increase the risk of broader regional instability.