Updated 27 February 2026 at 01:56 IST
Afghanistan Launches Powerful Counterattack Against Pakistan: 40 Pak Soldiers Killed, 13 Captured, 17 Military Posts Seized
Afghan forces' powerful counterattack in response to Pakistan's unprovoked airstrikes that killed civilians, leaves 40 Pakistani soldiers dead, 13 others captured, and 17 Pakistani posts seized as tensions escalate along the Durand Line.
Kabul: Afghan Forces have launched a powerful counterattack against Pakistan, capturing at least 17 military posts along the Durand Line in response to the Pakistan military's airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, which allegedly targeted residential areas and civilians, killing dozens of people, including women and children. The Afghan Forces' blistering retaliation has inflicted massive losses on Pakistani troops, with reports of 40 Pakistani soldiers killed and 13 others taken captive.
The Afghan Defence Ministry has announced extensive offensive operations against Pakistani military centres and facilities, citing repeated Pakistani aggression. Afghanistan's Taliban government spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, stated that the operation is a response to Pakistan's "repeated provocations and violations". The massive counterattack comes after Pakistan carried out ‘unprovoked and unwarranted’ airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, citing targets on alleged militant hideouts, but allegedly targeting residential areas and civilians, which led to the killing of women and children.
The Afghan military claims to have destroyed multiple Pakistani posts and equipment. The tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been escalating, with both sides accusing each other of initiating clashes and violating the ceasefire.
According to the Afghan Defence Ministry, Afghan forces have captured 17 Pakistani military posts along the Durand Line, including two posts in the Nawo area of Nangarhar's Dor Baba district, three posts in the Anargi area of Gushteh district, and two posts in the Doklam area of Konar Naray district. The Afghan government stressed that these actions were a response to Pakistani military assaults and warned of further retaliation.
Earlier, Pakistan claimed to have targeted Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) hideouts in Afghanistan, while Afghanistan alleged that Pakistan's airstrikes have killed civilians, including women and children.
Pakistan Again Denies Soldiers' Captivity
Meanwhile, after disowning 7 soldiers captured by the Baloch rebels, Pakistan has now denied the claims, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's spokesman, Mosharraf Ali Zaidi, stating that no Pakistani soldiers were killed or captured. Zaidi accused Afghanistan of launching "unprovoked" attacks and claimed that Pakistani forces had inflicted heavy losses on the Afghan side.
The conflict has led to a huge escalation of tensions between the two countries, with both sides exchanging fire and accusations.
The Durand Line, which separates Afghanistan and Pakistan, has long been a source of tension between the two countries. Afghanistan has never formally recognised the border, which was established by British colonial authorities in 1893.
Military Bases, Installations Targeted
As per the Afghan government, the Afghan forces launched their attack on Thursday, targeting Pakistani military bases and installations along the Durand Line. The Afghan Defence Ministry claimed that its forces had captured 17 Pakistani army posts and killed 40 soldiers, with 13 bodies taken into custody.
Afghanistan's Taliban government spokesperson, Mujahid stated that the operation was ongoing, with the Afghan forces continuing to target Pakistani positions. He warned that Afghanistan would not hesitate to take further action to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Pakistan's Information Ministry accused Afghanistan of opening "unprovoked fire" at multiple locations along the border, saying that its security forces were responding with "immediate and effective action".
Further details regarding the Afghanistan Forces' attack on the Pakistani military are awaited.
Published By : Abhishek Tiwari
Published On: 26 February 2026 at 22:33 IST