Timeline
February 26, 2026 — February 27, 2026
World
Timeline: How Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Clashes Escalated to 'Open War' in 48 Hours
What began as Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan border provinces quickly spiraled into a full military confrontation between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Within 48 hours, the conflict escalated from localized border strikes to attacks on major cities including Kabul, with Pakistan declaring 'open war' on the Taliban government. This timeline tracks the rapid deterioration of relations between the two neighbors.
10 events · 1 days · 30 source articles
Sun, Feb 22, 2026
Major
Pakistan conducts deadly airstrikes on Afghan border provinces
Pakistan carried out airstrikes on Afghanistan's Nangarhar and Paktika provinces overnight into Sunday, killing at least 18 people according to Afghan officials. The UN confirmed several civilians were killed in these strikes. These attacks set the stage for escalating retaliation between the two countries.
Wed, Feb 25, 2026
Minor
Cross-border fire exchanged without casualties
Both Pakistan and Afghanistan reported exchanging cross-border fire on Tuesday, though no casualties were reported from these skirmishes. This represented an intermediate escalation before the major offensive that would follow.
Thu, Feb 26, 2026
Major
Afghanistan launches 'large-scale offensive operations' against Pakistan
The Afghan Taliban military announced large-scale offensive operations against Pakistani forces at the border in retaliation for the deadly weekend airstrikes. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghan forces launched heavy attacks on Pakistani outposts, with the government claiming to have captured 15 Pakistani army outposts. Afghanistan claimed 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 19 outposts captured.
Thu, Feb 26, 2026
Moderate
Pakistan confirms casualties and vows 'immediate response'
Pakistan acknowledged that two soldiers were killed and three injured in the Afghan attacks, calling them 'unprovoked fire.' Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Pakistani forces had responded to the attacks. Pakistan vowed an 'immediate' response to what it characterized as deadly aggression by Afghanistan.
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Major
Pakistan bombs Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia in major escalation
Pakistan launched airstrikes on Afghanistan's capital Kabul and the cities of Kandahar and Paktia early Friday morning. Multiple explosions were heard in Kabul around 1:50am local time. This marked the first time Pakistan had struck deep into Afghan territory, targeting the capital city and Kandahar, where Taliban leadership is based. Pakistan's military said its Operation 'Righteous Fury' killed 133 Taliban fighters.
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Major
Pakistan declares 'open war' with Afghanistan
Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif declared that Pakistan's 'patience has run out' and that the country is now in 'open war' with Afghanistan. He accused the Taliban of turning Afghanistan 'into a colony of India' and exporting terrorism. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called the strikes a 'befitting response to the Afghan Taliban's open aggression.'
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Moderate
Fresh clashes erupt near Torkham border crossing
New fighting broke out along the border near the key Torkham crossing as the conflict continued to spread. Explosions and shelling echoed across the frontier, with smoke rising over nearby mountains. Civilians living near the border and refugee camps began fleeing to safety as the violence intensified.
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Moderate
Both sides claim heavy enemy casualties, issue conflicting tolls
Pakistan claimed its airstrikes killed 133 Taliban fighters and destroyed military installations in Kabul and Kandahar. Afghanistan maintained it had killed 55 Pakistani soldiers and captured 19 outposts. Both sides issued dramatically different accounts of losses and territorial gains, making the actual situation on the ground difficult to verify.
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Moderate
China offers to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan
Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Mao Ning announced that China, as a neighbor and friend to both countries, was working for mediation via its own channels. Beijing expressed deep concern about the escalation and urged both sides to end the fighting and settle disputes through dialogue. China said it stood ready to play a constructive role in de-escalation.
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Moderate
Fighting continues as civilians flee border areas
By Friday afternoon, localized clashes continued along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border with Taliban officials reporting Pakistani aircraft continuing to fly over Afghan territory. Civilians on both sides fled temporary camps and nearby villages, exhausted after months of instability. The conflict showed no signs of immediate de-escalation despite international concern.
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