Pakistan Launches Aerial Attack, Bombs Afghan Capital Kabul

Pakistan conducted airstrikes on the Afghan capital Kabul and two other provinces on Friday, 27 February 2026, several hours after cross-border attacks. This represents the latest escalation of violence between the two neighbouring countries following their signing of a Qatar-mediated ceasefire in 2025.

After months of tit-for-tat clashes, Afghan forces attacked Pakistani border troops on Thursday evening, described by the Taliban government as retaliation for previous deadly aerial bombardments. Several hours later, at least three explosions were heard in Kabul on Friday morning, though no direct information was available regarding the precise location of the strikes on the Afghan capital or potential casualties.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Friday that Pakistan’s armed forces possess the full capability to “destroy” any aggressive ambitions, following the aerial operations against neighbouring Afghanistan. “Our forces have the complete capacity to destroy any aggressive ambitions,” Sharif said, according to a post on Pakistan’s government X account. “The entire nation stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Pakistan’s armed forces,” he added.

Relations between the two neighbouring countries have deteriorated significantly in recent months. Land border crossings between the two nations have remained largely closed since deadly clashes in October that killed more than 70 people on both sides.