Afghan Taliban Launches Large-Scale Offensive Operations Against Pakistani Military Positions Along Durand Line
Afghanistan’s eastern military corps media office stated that heavy clashes began late Thursday in response to recent Pakistani airstrikes.
SOUTH ASIA/MIDDLE EAST — Afghan Taliban authorities announced on February 26 that their forces initiated large-scale offensive operations against Pakistani military installations along the Durand Line.
This action came in response to Pakistani airstrikes conducted earlier in the week in Nangarhar and Paktia provinces. Both sides have confirmed heavy clashes, though casualty figures and operational outcomes differ sharply.
The exchanges mark the latest escalation in longstanding border tensions that have intensified since major fighting in October 2025 killed more than 70 people on both sides.
Key Developments in the February 26 Clashes
Afghanistan’s eastern military corps media office stated that heavy clashes began late Thursday in response to recent Pakistani airstrikes. Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid posted that operations targeted Pakistani military positions along the Durand Line, which Afghanistan does not formally recognize.
Regional media reported sporadic cross-border firing in areas including Torkham and Tirah in the preceding days. Pakistani officials described the Afghan actions as unprovoked firing and stated that security forces responded immediately and effectively.
Assessment: The reported sequence shows a classic retaliation cycle: Pakistani strikes on February 22-23 triggered Afghan warnings, followed by Taliban offensive operations on February 26. This pattern mirrors the October 2025 fighting and suggests limited de-escalation prospects without external mediation. Watch for increased artillery exchanges or border closures as immediate indicators of further intensification.
