The authorities of Afghanistan announced the start of "large-scale offensive operations" against Pakistani military targets.
The spokesperson for the Taliban, Zabihullah Mujahid, stated that this decision was a response to "provocations and border violations" by Pakistan. On February 21, Pakistani military conducted airstrikes in the provinces of Paktia and Nangarhar, claiming that their targets were terrorist camps of the groups "Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan" and "Islamic State".
Fighting broke out in provinces such as Nangarhar, Nuristan, Kunar, Khost, Paktia, and Paktika. Mujahid reported that the Taliban captured 15 enemy positions, killing 40 soldiers, with additional wounded and captured. In response, the Pakistani Ministry of Information claimed that the Taliban opened "unprovoked fire" and received an "immediate and effective response," suffering significant losses. According to Reuters sources, 22 Taliban members were killed in the clashes, and drones were also shot down. The firefight lasted more than two hours.
The spokesperson for the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Musharraf Zaidi, stated that none of the Pakistani posts were captured. He also warned that "any act of aggression will provoke a mirrored response." At the same time, Mujahid did not rule out the possibility of attacks on "important centers and major cities" in Pakistan if strikes were carried out on Kabul or other major populated areas in Afghanistan.
In response to the escalating tension, Pakistan has heightened security measures across the country: troops were placed on high alert, operations based on intelligence data were intensified, and dozens of suspects, including Afghan nationals, were detained, according to Reuters.
On the night of February 27, Pakistan continued to carry out airstrikes on several cities in Afghanistan.
"The Pakistani army struck areas in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia; fortunately, there are no reports of casualties," reported the spokesperson for the Supreme Leader of Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid, on social media X.
Residents of Kabul reported to AFP that they heard up to eight explosions, followed by gunfire. According to Geo, the airstrikes targeted an ammunition depot on Afghan territory.
Pakistan's Minister of Information, Attaullah Tarar, confirmed that the army struck targets in Kabul and the provinces of Paktia and Kandahar. "Our forces are capable of suppressing any aggressive intentions," stated the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, adding that "the entire nation stands united with the armed forces."
