Fighting between Afghanistan’s Taliban and Pakistan’s military has gotten worse. Here’s what’s happening:
Afghan Forces Strike Pakistan
On Monday (March 2), the Afghan Air Force used drones to attack several important Pakistani military sites, including:
- Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi
- 12th Corps headquarters in Quetta
- Khowizoo Camp in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Ghulni military bases
A video of the drone attack on Nur Khan Airbase was shared on social media by the Afghan Air Force. Afghanistan’s defence ministry said the attacks were a direct response to recent Pakistani military actions on Afghan territory.
Afghan govt releases visuals of drone that was launched ystdy on Pakistan, including on Nur Khan airbase. https://t.co/HX8ptl37xg pic.twitter.com/iCYMazT1Zs
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 2, 2026
The ministry stated:
“Today, the Air Force of the Ministry of National Defense conducted precise and coordinated aerial operations against key military installations in Pakistan targeting the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, the 12th Division headquarters in Quetta (Balochistan), the Khwazai Camp in the Mohmand Agency of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as several other significant Pakistani military facilities and command centers.”
How Did It Get Here?
On February 27, Pakistan declared “open war” against the Afghan Taliban after a series of violent clashes along their shared border, known as the Durand Line — a long-standing dispute between the two countries.
Pakistan says it has killed over 270 Taliban fighters and wounded more than 400 in airstrikes. The situation has become serious enough that world leaders, including the US, have expressed concern.
Pakistan launched its own air strikes — called Operation Ghazab Lil Haq — claiming it was targeting hiding spots of militant groups like the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISKP), which Pakistan accuses of using Afghan soil to plan attacks against Pakistani forces.
