politics
February 28, 2026
'Open war' between Pakistan and Afghanistan: What we know
Pakistan launched military strikes on its western neighbor early on Friday after Afghan forces conducted cross-border raids
TL;DR
- Pakistan declared 'open war' on Afghanistan after Afghan Taliban forces allegedly opened fire on Pakistani border positions, killing two soldiers.
- Pakistan's defense minister termed the situation 'open war' and accused the Taliban regime of turning Afghanistan into a colony of India, a charge India has rejected.
- Militarily, Pakistan possesses overwhelming superiority over Afghanistan with 660,000 active personnel compared to Afghanistan's estimated 172,000 fighters.
- Reports indicate explosions in Kabul and other Afghan provinces, with Afghan officials alleging Pakistani airstrikes in Kandahar and Paktia.
- Regional powers like Iran and China have expressed concern and urged restraint, with Iran offering to facilitate talks.
- The conflict is exacerbated by Pakistan's allegations that Afghanistan harbors militants detrimental to its interests and Pakistan's recent crackdown on undocumented migrants.
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