Blasts heard in Kabul as Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict continues
Al Jazeera
March 1, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Explosions were heard in Kabul as tensions escalated in the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Taliban government reported deploying anti-aircraft systems to counter Pakistani jets entering Afghan airspace, including an attempted strike on Bagram airbase. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, Islamabad has declared "open war" and continues to hold territory in southern Afghanistan. Civilian casualties have risen, with reports of at least 55 deaths across multiple provinces since the conflict intensified.
The roots of this conflict stem from Pakistan's accusation that Afghanistan harbors the Taliban group TTP, which has carried out devastating attacks within Pakistan. In February, Pakistani airstrikes targeted alleged TTP hideouts in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, killing 13 Afghan civilians according to UN reports. Kabul denies harbouring groups that threaten its neighbours and insists its actions are retaliatory.
While the Taliban expressed openness to negotiations, Pakistan has rejected dialogue, stating its sole demand is an end to what it calls "terrorism" on Afghan soil. The two sides remain deeply divided, with Pakistan's superior military arsenal contrasting against Afghanistan's guerrilla tactics, including drone strikes on Pakistani camps.
International efforts to de-escalate the situation have grown, with major powers and regional bodies urging restraint. However, the world's diplomatic focus remains largely consumed by the escalating US-Israel conflict with Iran, leaving little bandwidth for addressing this brewing crisis. Analysts warn of broader regional instability if the confrontation continues, further straining an already volatile region.
This conflict highlights the fragile security dynamics in South Asia and underscores the challenges of resolving decades-long disputes through military force rather than diplomacy. The human toll on civilians and the potential for wider instability make this a critical issue for global peace and security.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 3/1/2026