Pakistan Declares Open War on Afghanistan Following Airstrikes on Kabul and Kandahar

Kabul, Friday, 27 February 2026.
In a drastic escalation of regional tensions, Pakistan has formally declared “open war” on the Afghan Taliban government, launching widespread airstrikes on Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia early Friday. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif announced the end of Islamabad’s patience, initiating “Operation Ghazab lil Haq” in response to alleged cross-border terrorism. While Pakistani officials claim to have neutralized 133 Taliban fighters and destroyed critical military infrastructure, Kabul reports inflicting heavy casualties on Pakistani forces along the Durand Line. This direct bombardment of the Afghan capital marks a significant departure from previous border skirmishes, effectively shattering the Qatar-mediated ceasefire established in late 2025. As both nations mobilize for full-scale military operations, the conflict poses an immediate threat to South Asian stability and regional security architectures.