Pakistan declares state of ‘open war’ after bombing major Afghan cities

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Jason Burke in London, Shah Meer Baloch in Islamabad and Kate Lamb in SydneyFebruary 27, 2026 at 03:19 PM

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Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated, with Pakistan declaring a state of "open war" after bombing major Afghan cities, including Kabul and Kandahar. The attacks followed cross-border attacks by Afghan forces on Pakistani troops, which Afghanistan claimed were retaliation for earlier Pakistani airstrikes. Fighting is ongoing in the Torkham border area, with reports of civilian casualties from mortar fire. The conflict is fueled by Pakistan's accusations that the Taliban government in Afghanistan is harboring militants and allied with India. Despite a Qatari-mediated ceasefire last year and peace talks, tensions remain high, with dozens of casualties reported on both sides.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Qatar 30% Istanbul 30% Karachi 30% India 30% Torkham 40% Nangarhar province 50% Kandahar ×260% Islamabad ×260% Taliban ×470% Kabul ×470% Pakistan ×1090% Afghanistan ×1090%

Keywords

pakistan afghanistan conflict 100% open war 90% airstrikes 80% cross-border attacks 70% border clashes 60% taliban 60% kabul 50% ceasefire 40% mortar fire 40%