ISLAMABAD — In a dramatic and massive escalation of regional tensions, Pakistan has launched ‘Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq’ (Wrath for the Truth), conducting high-intensity airstrikes across multiple Afghan provinces including the capital, Kabul. The operation follows a formal declaration of “open war” by Pakistan’s Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, who stated that Islamabad’s “patience has reached its limit” following unprovoked cross-border aggression by Afghan Taliban forces.
Airstrikes Hit Heart of Kabul and Kandahar
In the early hours of Friday, February 27, 2026, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) executed precision strikes targeting key military infrastructure. Explosions rocked Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, with reports indicating the destruction of:
- Two Corps Headquarters
- Three Brigade Headquarters
- Over 80 Tanks, Artillery systems, and Armored Personnel Carriers
- Ammunition depots and logistics bases
Government spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi confirmed that 133 Afghan Taliban fighters were killed in the initial waves, with over 200 wounded. The strikes specifically targeted the 313 Brigade HQ and other strategic assets used to coordinate attacks against Pakistani border posts.
“Open War” Declared
The declaration of “open war” marks a definitive shift in Pakistan’s military policy. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif accused the Taliban government of turning Afghanistan into a “colony of foreign intelligence” and failing to stop militants from using Afghan soil to launch attacks inside Pakistan.
“Our patience has now run out. Now it is open war between us,” Asif posted on X, emphasizing that every act of aggression will be met with a “befitting and crushing reply.”
Ground Escalation on the Durand Line
The air campaign was triggered by what Pakistan described as a “large-scale offensive” launched by the Afghan Taliban on Thursday night along the Durand Line. While Taliban spokespersons claimed to have captured several Pakistani posts, Islamabad has flatly denied these claims, stating that the Pakistan Army not only repelled the attacks but successfully captured nine Afghan posts and destroyed 27 others in the Paktia, Shwal, and Angor Ada sectors.
International Reaction
The global community has reacted with alarm to the breakout of conventional warfare between the two neighbors. Iran and Russia have reportedly offered to mediate, urging both sides to return to the negotiating table to prevent a wider regional catastrophe. Meanwhile, the UN has called for the protection of civilians as fighting intensifies near border crossings like Torkham.
| Metric | Pakistan Claims | Afghan Taliban Claims |
| Militants Killed | 133 | 8 (Soldiers) |
| Posts Captured | 9 (Afghan) | 15 (Pakistani – Denied by ISPR) |
| Hardware Destroyed | 80+ Tanks/Artillery | Claims of capturing weapons |
| Operational Name | Ghazab-lil-Haq | Retaliatory Operation |
Also Read: THE INVISIBLE HAND: Are Foreign Powers Fueling the Pak-Afghan Border War? – bolotosai.com_EN
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