Afghanistan says it launches attacks against Pakistan

DEVELOPING STORY, Afghanistan’s Taliban government spokesman says attacks kill ‘numerous soldiers’ as Pakistan reports response by its forces.Published On 26 Feb 2026Afghanistan has launched attacks against Pakistan’s military positions along their border in response to Pakistani air strikes last week, Taliban authorities say, as Pakistan says its forces have responded.The media office of Afghanistan’s military corps in the east said in a statement that “heavy clashes” began late on Thursday “in response to the recent air strikes carried out by Pakistani forces in Nangarhar and Paktia” provinces.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Afghanistan promises ‘appropriate response’ after deadly Pakistani strikeslist 2 of 3Pakistan ‘kills dozens’ in air strikes on Afghanistanlist 3 of 3New Afghan, Pakistani border clashes follow deadly strikesend of list“In response ‌to repeated provocations and violations by Pakistani military circles, large-scale offensive operations have been launched ⁠against Pakistani military ⁠positions and installations along the Durand Line,” Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah ⁠Mujahid wrote in a post on X.The countries’ 2,611km-long (1,622-mile-long) border is known as the Durand Line, which Afghanistan has not formally recognised.An Afghan military source told Al Jazeera Arabic that 10 Pakistani soldiers were killed and that 13 outposts were captured.Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said on X that Pakistani ⁠troops had delivered ⁠an “immediate and ⁠effective response” to Taliban fire across ⁠several sectors ⁠in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.“Taliban regime forces are being delivered punishment in Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram and Bajaur sectors. Early reports confirm heavy casualties on Afghan side with multiple posts and equipment destroyed,” the ministry said.There was no immediate comment from Pakistan on the Afghan claim that 10 soldiers were killed, but Pakistani security sources told Al Jazeera that no Pakistani posts were captured.