Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:11pm on 26 Feb 2026,Thursday International
Afghanistan launched a large-scale retaliatory offensive against Pakistan along the disputed Durand Line on Thursday, following Islamabad's airstrikes on Afghan territory on February 22. Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid confirmed coordinated artillery and infantry attacks targeting Pakistani military checkposts, with Afghan forces reportedly capturing at least 15 Pakistani checkposts across Goshta, Nangarhar, and Kunar provinces. At least nine Pakistani troops were severely wounded. Heavy fighting continues across Mohmand, Chitral, and Kurram districts. Pakistan called Afghanistan's strikes "unprovoked" and claimed to be responding immediately. The Taliban's Ministry of Defence condemned Pakistan's actions as a breach of international law, while Pakistan maintained it had conclusive evidence linking terror attacks to militants operating from Afghan soil.
