Pakistan Afghanistan War: Fresh cross-border airstrikes between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply escalated tensions, with both sides accusing each other of attacks and violations of sovereignty.
Pakistan Afghanistan War (source: X)
Pakistan Afghanistan War: Few video footage has surfaced amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, reportedly showing airstrikes carried out by Islamabad on several locations in Kabul. The situation escalated after strikes were reported in Kabul and Kandahar, only hours after Afghan forces claimed they had launched attacks inside Pakistan.
The video, said to be released by Pakistan, includes satellite images capturing what is described as the exact moment airstrikes hit multiple targets in Kabul. Another segment, reportedly filmed from a residential neighbourhood, shows thick smoke and flames rising from a distant area.
According to reports, at least three explosions were heard in Kabul. However, there were no immediate details about the precise locations targeted or possible casualties, as reported by the Associated Press. Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Pakistan also conducted airstrikes in Kandahar in southern Afghanistan and in the southeastern province of Paktia.
PAKISTAN RELEASES AERIAL FOOTAGE OF KABUL STRIKES https://t.co/IA7Z2RBNg8 pic.twitter.com/CcKzrMp1yL
— RT (@RT_com) February 26, 2026
These latest cross-border strikes have further shaken the already delicate relationship between the two neighbouring South Asian countries. Their earlier tensions had been eased last year through mediation efforts by Qatar, but the recent violence threatens that fragile understanding.
The renewed confrontation began on Sunday when Pakistan’s military claimed it had killed at least 70 militants in strikes near the Afghanistan border. Islamabad said it targeted militant hideouts responsible for recent attacks inside Pakistan.
However, Kabul strongly denied these claims. Afghan officials said that Pakistan struck “various civilian areas” in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces in eastern Afghanistan. They alleged that a religious madrassa and several residential houses were among the sites hit. Afghanistan described the strikes as a violation of its airspace and sovereignty.
After a few days of uneasy calm, Afghanistan announced on Thursday that its forces had launched retaliatory attacks across the border into Pakistan late that night. Afghan authorities also claimed they had taken control of more than a dozen Pakistani army posts.
Pakistan rejected these statements, calling the Afghan action unprovoked. Islamabad also dismissed the claim that any of its army posts had been captured.
The situation remains tense, with both sides accusing each other of aggression, raising concerns about further instability in the region.
