Taliban strike multiple military bases in Pakistan; strategic Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi hit
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKMarch 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Afghanistan’s Taliban government launched precision airstrikes using drone aircraft on several key Pakistani military installations, including the strategically significant Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi. The attacks targeted other major facilities like the 12th Corps headquarters in Quetta and the Khowizoo Camp in Mohmand Agency of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These strikes were described as a response to recent Pakistani aerial incursions that reportedly targeted Kabul, Bagram, and other regions. The Afghan Ministry of National Defense claimed significant damage to the targets and warned of further reprisals if Pakistan continues its aggressive actions.
The escalation between Afghanistan and Pakistan has intensified in recent weeks, with both sides engaging in tit-for-tat military operations. Pakistan had previously bombed major cities in Afghanistan, including Kabul, as part of an operation dubbed "Ghazab lil Haq." In response, the Taliban government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Afghan forces killed 55 Pakistani soldiers and targeted key military objectives within Pakistan. This move followed a series of border clashes and exchanges of fire along the contested Durand Line, which Afghanistan has never formally recognized.
The conflict has also spilled into claims and counterclaims regarding downed aircraft. While Afghanistan claimed to have shot down a Pakistani fighter jet near Jalalabad and captured its pilot alive, Pakistan denied the incident, calling it "totally untrue." Meanwhile, both sides have exchanged allegations of casualties, with Pakistan reporting over 270 Taliban fighters killed and 400 injured in their airstrikes. The Taliban, however, rejected these figures.
This escalating violence raises concerns about regional stability and the potential for further escalation between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The ongoing conflict highlights the fragile security situation in South Asia and underscores the challenges of enforcing peace along the Durand Line. The involvement of external powers, such as India, has also been a point of contention, with Pakistan accusing the Taliban of acting as a proxy for Indian interests. As tensions continue to rise, the implications for global security and diplomatic efforts
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on Times of India on 3/2/2026