Timeline
February 22, 2026 — February 27, 2026
World
Timeline: How Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Conflict Escalated to 'Open War' in 5 Days
What began as Pakistani air strikes targeting militant hideouts along the Afghanistan border on February 22, 2026, rapidly escalated into a full-scale military conflict between the two nations. Within five days, the situation deteriorated from cross-border strikes to Afghanistan launching ground offensives and Pakistan declaring 'open war' while bombing Kabul. This timeline tracks the rapid escalation that shattered a fragile October 2025 ceasefire.
9 events · 5 days · 24 source articles
Fri, Feb 6, 2026
Major
Deadly suicide bombing at Islamabad mosque kills at least 36
A suicide bomber attacked a Shia mosque during Friday prayers in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, killing at least 36 worshippers and wounding 170 others. Pakistan blamed Afghan-based militants for the attack, which occurred during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. This attack, along with subsequent violence including an explosives-laden vehicle ramming a security post in Bajaur, set the stage for Pakistan's military response.
Sun, Feb 22, 2026
Major
Pakistan launches air strikes on Afghanistan targeting militant camps
Pakistan's military carried out air strikes on seven alleged militant camps and hideouts in Afghanistan's border provinces of Paktika and Nangarhar. The strikes targeted the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and its affiliates, who Pakistan blamed for recent suicide bombings. Pakistan's government described the operation as 'intelligence-based selective targeting' of terrorist infrastructure.
Sun, Feb 22, 2026
Major
Afghanistan reports dozens of civilians killed in Pakistani strikes
Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence condemned the Pakistani strikes, stating that 'dozens of innocent civilians, including women and children, were martyred and wounded.' The Taliban government said the strikes hit civilian homes and a religious madrasa in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. Afghan Red Crescent Society reported more than a dozen people killed, while the Afghan government called the attacks a violation of sovereignty and airspace.
Sun, Feb 22, 2026
Moderate
Pakistan claims at least 70-80 militants killed in border strikes
Pakistan's Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry claimed at least 70 militants were killed in the strikes, with state media later reporting the toll jumped to 80. However, no evidence was provided to support these claims. Afghan officials denied these assertions and maintained that civilians, not militants, were the primary victims of the attacks.
Tue, Feb 24, 2026
Minor
Analysis reveals Pakistan's strategic pressure on both borders
As tensions mounted, analysts examined Pakistan's difficult strategic position facing violence on both its Afghan and Indian borders. The air raids broke a fragile ceasefire agreement from October 2025. Reports highlighted Pakistan's concerns about growing India-Taliban ties and Islamabad's accusation that Afghanistan had become 'a colony of India.'
Thu, Feb 26, 2026
Major
Afghanistan launches 'large-scale offensive operations' against Pakistan
The Afghan military launched major retaliatory attacks on Pakistani forces along the border, with Taliban officials claiming to have captured 15 Pakistani army outposts. A military spokesperson reported 'heavy attacks on Pakistani outposts' with 'no casualties on Afghan side.' Afghanistan described the operation as retaliation for the deadly air strikes earlier in the week that the UN confirmed had killed several civilians.
Thu, Feb 26, 2026
Major
Pakistan reports two soldiers killed, vows 'immediate response'
Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed two Pakistani soldiers were killed and three injured in what he called 'unprovoked fire' from Afghan Taliban forces. Pakistan said it launched a 'strong and effective response' to the attacks. Both sides claimed to have inflicted heavy losses on each other, with people in Pakistan's border regions reporting explosions and being asked to move to safety.
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Major
Pakistan bombs Kabul and major Afghan cities, declares 'open war'
Pakistan launched strikes on Afghanistan's capital Kabul, as well as Kandahar and Paktia provinces. Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif declared 'open war' with the Afghan Taliban, stating Pakistan's 'patience has run out.' Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi called the strikes a 'befitting response to the Afghan Taliban's open aggression.' Multiple explosions were heard in Kabul beginning around 1:50am local time, with anti-aircraft fire reported.
Fri, Feb 27, 2026
Major
Conflict intensifies as both nations declare full military operations
By Friday morning, both Pakistani and Afghan officials had declared full military operations against each other. Pakistan's Defence Minister alleged that Afghanistan had become 'a colony of India' and was 'exporting terrorism.' Fresh clashes were reported near the key Torkham border crossing. The Qatar-mediated ceasefire from October 2025 appeared completely shattered as the conflict spread beyond border areas to major population centers.
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