Afghan-Pakistani Clashes Escalate with Cross-Border Airstrikes and Ground Operations

Clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces have intensified since late February 2026, with both sides conducting airstrikes and ground operations along their shared 2,600-km border. Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab Lil-Haq targeting Afghan military sites, including Kabul, Kandahar, and Bagram airbase, claiming to hit militant infrastructure. Afghanistan's Taliban government responded with air defense attacks on Pakistani aircraft over Kabul and drone strikes on Pakistani military bases such as Nur Khan Airbase. Both countries report casualties and damage, while international actors call for restraint amid fears of broader conflict.