Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions escalate: Afghan Forces kill 55 Pakistani soldiers, Pakistan retaliates with Operation ‘Ghazab Lil Haq’

February 27, 2026

Islamabad: Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have sharply escalated after Afghanistan launched a late-night attack on Pakistani military posts along the border. Both sides have released different casualty figures and damage claims.

Afghanistan Claims 55 Pakistani Soldiers Killed

According to reports cited by Tolo News quoting Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban fighters attacked Pakistani forces in Kunar province.

Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry claimed that:

• 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed

• 23 bodies are currently in Afghan custody

• Several Pakistani soldiers were captured alive

• 19 Pakistani army posts and two bases were destroyed

• Dozens of weapons, one tank and other military equipment were seized

Deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat said the fighting lasted nearly four hours and ended around midnight.

Afghanistan also claimed that eight of its people were killed and 11 injured in Pakistani strikes.

Pakistan Launches ‘Ghazab Lil Haq’ Operation

In response, Pakistan launched an operation named ‘Ghazab Lil Haq’ and carried out airstrikes in Kabul, Nangarhar and other cities.

Pakistan claimed:

72 Afghan Taliban fighters were killed

More than 120 were injured

16 Taliban posts were destroyed

7 were captured

However, Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said only two Pakistani soldiers were killed and three injured. He also stated that 36 Afghan fighters were killed.

A spokesperson of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denied claims that any Pakistani soldiers were captured.

Fighting Continues in Border Areas

Clashes are still ongoing in several border provinces including Nangarhar, Nuristan, Kunar, Khost, Paktia and Paktika. Many of these posts are located near the disputed Durand Line.

Earlier Airstrikes Increased Tension

On February 22, Pakistan had carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan, saying it targeted hideouts of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and ISIS militants.

Pakistan’s officials said the strikes were based on intelligence inputs and more such operations could be carried out if necessary.

Afghanistan strongly condemned those strikes and claimed civilians were targeted. According to reports, 23 members of one family were allegedly killed in Nangarhar during one such attack.

Recent Militant Attacks in Pakistan

The recent escalation follows several major attacks inside Pakistan:

1.A suicide attack on a security convoy in Bannu killed two soldiers, including a Lieutenant Colonel.

2.On February 16, an explosives-laden vehicle hit a security post in Bajaur, killing 11 soldiers and one child.

3.On February 6, a suicide bomb blast during Friday prayers at a Shia mosque in Islamabad killed 31 people and injured 169. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack.

Pakistan has long accused TTP militants of operating from Afghan soil, while the Taliban government has denied these allegations.

Tensions Since October

Relations between the two countries have remained tense since violent border clashes in October that killed soldiers and civilians on both sides. A Qatar-mediated ceasefire was announced on October 19, but talks in Istanbul failed to reach a formal agreement.

The long-standing dispute over the Durand Line border continues to be a major source of conflict. Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, tensions between the two neighbours have increased further.

Situation Remains Volatile

Both Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to issue conflicting claims about deaths, injuries and territorial control. With ongoing airstrikes and cross-border firing, the situation along the border remains tense and uncertain.