'15 outposts captured, 40 Pak soldiers killed': Afghan Taliban launches big offensive
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Afghan forces have launched a significant border offensive against Pakistan, capturing 15 military outposts and killing several soldiers in retaliation for recent Pakistani airstrikes that Kabul claims targeted Afghan civilians. The clash along the disputed Durand Line has intensified tensions between the two neighboring nations, with both sides accusing each other of provocation. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid reported heavy losses on Pakistan's side, including multiple killed and some taken alive, while Afghan officials denied casualties on their own side during the clashes.
The escalation began after Pakistan conducted cross-border airstrikes on Sunday, which it claims targeted militant groups linked to recent suicide attacks within its territory. However, Afghanistan rejects this narrative, accusing Islamabad of killing dozens of civilians, including women and children, in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. Afghan media outlets reported the destruction of a civilian home in Behsud district, where 23 members of one family were buried under rubble. Meanwhile, Pakistan's military stated its operations were precise and aimed at militant camps, including those linked to Daesh Khorasan Province and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
This latest conflict highlights the deepening animosity between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with both sides accusing each other of violating international borders. The situation raises concerns over regional stability, as it risks further escalation and could impact counterterrorism efforts in the region. The human toll of the airstrikes, including civilian casualties, underscores the delicate security environment along the border.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/26/2026