On February 27, 2026, the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated dramatically as Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif declared an 'open war' against the Afghan Taliban government. This declaration followed a series of air strikes by Pakistan that reportedly killed 228 Taliban fighters in Kabul, Paktia, and Kandahar, targeting Taliban personnel near the Torkham border crossing, according to Middle East Eye. The situation intensified after both nations exchanged fire, with Afghanistan claiming to have launched large-scale offensive operations against Pakistani military positions in retaliation for the air strikes. Reports indicate that 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed during these exchanges, further complicating the already fragile ceasefire mediated by Qatar (NPR, February 27, 2026).
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Pakistan'S Open War Against Afghan Taliban Following Airstrikes
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On Feb 27, 2026, Pakistan declared 'open war' on the Taliban after airstrikes killed 228 fighters, escalating conflict with Afghanistan, resulting in heavy casualties and international calls for re...
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MEEmiddleeasteye.net
AJaljazeera.com
NYTnytimes.com
EUeuronews.com
THthehindu.com
NNWnbcnews.com
TLtribune.com.pk
DTdailytimes.com.pk
TGtheguardian.com
CGcrisisgroup.org
STstartuppakistan.com.pk
THtribune.com.pk
DTPdailythepatriot.com
TFPthefrontierpost.com
PNNpakistannews.net
TFDthefinancialdaily.com
GNglobalnews.ca
YT