Pakistan vows 'immediate response' after Afghanistan launches retaliatory attacks
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 26, 2026
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Pakistan has vowed an immediate response after Afghanistan launched retaliatory attacks, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. The conflict escalated following Pakistani airstrikes earlier this week, which killed several civilians according to the United Nations. Afghan forces claimed to have captured multiple Pakistani outposts and killed dozens of soldiers, while Pakistan described the attacks as "unprovoked" and promised a strong reply.
The clashes occurred along the volatile border between the two nations, with Afghanistan accusing Pakistan of repeated violations and military strikes on its territory. Taliban officials stated that their forces had seized over 15 positions within just two hours, leading to significant losses for Pakistani troops. While there were no immediate reports of Afghan casualties, the UN mission in Afghanistan confirmed at least 13 civilian deaths from earlier Pakistani airstrikes.
This latest round of fighting is part of a months-long cycle of violence along the border, which has strained relations between the neighboring countries. Land crossings have been largely shut since October, when deadly clashes killed over 70 people. Despite efforts by Qatar and Turkey to broker ceasefires and negotiate peace, tensions remain high. Saudi Arabia recently mediated the release of three Pakistani soldiers captured by Afghanistan earlier this year.
The conflict has also raised concerns about regional stability and the broader implications for counterterrorism efforts in the region. Both sides accuse each other of harboring militant groups responsible for attacks on their territories, including recent suicide bombings claimed by Islamic State-Khorasan. The ongoing violence highlights the fragile state of relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with no clear path to resolution in sight.
This escalating conflict is significant not only for the direct impact on both nations but also for its potential to destabilize the region further. The involvement of international mediators and the humanitarian toll underscore why this issue remains critical for global readers interested in world affairs and geopolitical stability.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/26/2026