Pakistan–Afghanistan Border Crisis 2026: Airstrikes on Kabul, Shawal Post Seized, Taliban Claims Retaliation

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated sharply following intense cross-border clashes, airstrikes, and competing claims of retaliation. Pakistani security sources describe the situation as a response to “unprovoked aggression” by the Afghan Taliban regime, while Taliban officials claim they have launched extensive retaliatory operations along the border.

The unfolding crisis marks one of the most serious flare-ups between Islamabad and Kabul in recent years.

Border Fighting Intensifies: Mohmand, Bajaur and Shawal Sectors

According to Pakistani intelligence sources:

• Afghan Taliban forces allegedly initiated unprovoked firing in the Mohmand sector.
• Pakistani forces launched a counter-operation, forcing Taliban fighters to abandon several forward posts.
• An infiltration attempt near Bajaur was foiled, and one suspect was reportedly captured alive.
• A Taliban post near the Shawal sector, across from North Waziristan in Paktika, was seized after Taliban troops allegedly fled.

Security officials state that Pakistani forces remain on high alert along the western frontier, consolidating positions after securing key border posts.

Visual: Pakistan Air Force strikes Arms depot with precision in Nangarhar as Pakistan continues to respond befittingly to Afghan Taliban’s unprovoked aggression https://t.co/MpnN01evnJ pic.twitter.com/WxckOVQfNb

— Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) February 26, 2026

Pakistan Airstrikes Target Kabul, Kandahar, Paktika and Nangarhar

Pakistani sources report that precision air operations were conducted by the Pakistan Air Force and coordinated with the Pakistan Army.

Claimed targets include:

• Brigade-level headquarters in Kabul.
• Ammunition depots and logistics bases in Kandahar.
• Corps-level facilities in Paktika.
• Militant hideouts in Nangarhar.

Security sources say major ammunition stockpiles were destroyed following precise intelligence identification. Independent confirmation from Afghan authorities remains limited.

Taliban Claims Retaliatory Operations from Helmand and Kandahar

In response, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson of the Taliban, announced on social platform X that “extensive retaliatory operations” had begun.

According to his statement:

• Taliban forces targeted Pakistani military positions along the border.
• Operations were launched from Helmand and Kandahar fronts.
• The actions were described as retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul and other provinces.

However, Pakistani security sources maintain that no confirmed large-scale Taliban counter-operations have been observed from Kandahar so far, despite Taliban claims.

Infiltration Attempt Foiled in Bajaur

Pakistani officials report that an infiltration attempt by militants referred to as “Fitna al-Khawarij” was thwarted near the Bajaur sector. One individual, identified as Abdullah, was captured while allegedly attempting to cross into Pakistan.

Islamabad has repeatedly accused Afghan authorities of failing to prevent cross-border movement of militants linked to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a claim Kabul has denied.

Information War and Media Controversy

The crisis has also triggered an online information battle. Sky News faced backlash from Pakistani social media users after claims suggesting an Afghanistan Air Force attack on Pakistan.

Security analysts point out that Afghanistan currently lacks a fully operational air force structure capable of sustained cross-border air operations, leading many to question the accuracy of such reports.

Strategic and Regional Implications

The escalating conflict raises serious concerns:

• Risk of sustained artillery and air exchanges.
• Potential civilian displacement in frontier regions.
• Disruption of trade routes and border crossings.
• Increased militant activity amid instability.
• Diplomatic breakdown between Islamabad and Kabul.

Since the return of the Taliban to power in 2021, cross-border tensions have repeatedly flared over disputes related to the Durand Line, militant sanctuaries, and border fencing.

Conclusion

The seizure of a Taliban post near Shawal, reported airstrikes on Kabul and Kandahar, and Taliban claims of retaliation from Helmand and Kandahar signal a dangerous phase in Pakistan–Afghanistan relations. While both sides project confidence in their operations, independent verification remains limited, and the risk of further escalation persists.

The coming days will determine whether diplomatic engagement prevails or whether the region witnesses a prolonged cross-border confrontation.