Pakistan's defense minister says that there is now 'open war' with Afghanistan after latest strikes
#Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict #Open war declaration #Cross-border strikes #Taliban government #Regional stability #Qatar-mediated ceasefire #Refugee crisis #Terrorism export
📌 Key Takeaways
- Pakistan's defense minister declared 'open war' with Afghanistan after cross-border attacks
- Pakistan accused Taliban-led Afghanistan of becoming 'a colony of India' and 'exporting terrorism'
- Both countries exchanged strikes following a cross-border attack, with Pakistan hitting Kabul and two other provinces
- The escalating violence threatens a Qatar-mediated ceasefire agreement
- Pakistan's statement comes amid ongoing tensions over refugee issues and deportations
📖 Full Retelling
Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif declared an 'open war' with neighboring Afghanistan on February 26, 2026, after both countries exchanged strikes following a cross-border attack, accusing the Taliban government of turning Afghanistan into a 'colony of India' and 'exporting terrorism' despite Islamabad's years of patience and efforts for regional stability. In a post on social media platform X, Asif expressed frustration that Pakistan had hoped for peace in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of NATO forces, expecting the Taliban to focus on Afghan welfare and regional stability. Instead, he alleged, the Taliban had gathered militants from around the world and begun 'exporting terrorism' while denying Afghans basic human rights, including women's rights that he claimed are guaranteed under Islam. The minister stated that Pakistan's patience had 'now run out' and that the situation had escalated to 'open war' between the two neighboring countries. The latest violence followed a cross-border attack by Afghanistan on Thursday, which came in retaliation for deadly Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan border areas the previous Sunday. In response, Pakistan conducted early Friday airstrikes in Kabul, as well as in Kandahar to the south and the southeastern province of Paktia. At least three explosions were heard in Kabul, though there was no immediate information on casualties or the exact locations of the strikes in the Afghan capital. Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the Pakistani airstrikes in multiple provinces but provided no further details.
🏷️ Themes
Regional Conflict, Terrorism, Diplomatic Relations
📚 Related People & Topics
Government of Afghanistan
The government of Afghanistan, officially called the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is the central government of Afghanistan, a unitary state. Under the leadership of the Taliban, the government is a theocracy and an emirate with political power concentrated in the hands of a supreme leader and his...
Refugee crisis
Migration that is critical due to dimensions or conditions
A refugee crisis can refer to difficulties and/or dangerous situations in the reception of large groups of refugees. These could be forcibly displaced persons, internally displaced persons, asylum seekers or any other huge groups of migrants. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Ref...
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Original Source
World Pakistan's defense minister says that there is now 'open war' with Afghanistan after latest strikes February 26, 2026 9:07 PM ET By The Associated Press Afghanistan with its capital, Kabul. AP/AP hide caption toggle caption AP/AP ISLAMABAD — Pakistan's defense minister said that his country ran out of "patience" and considers that there is now an "open war" with Afghanistan, after both countries launched strikes following an Afghan cross-border attack. World Pakistan-Afghanistan border closures paralyze trade along a key route In a post on X Friday, Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif said Pakistan had hoped for peace in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of NATO forces and expected the Taliban to focus on the welfare of the Afghan people and regional stability. Instead, he alleged, the Taliban had turned Afghanistan "into a colony of India," gathered militants from around the world and begun "exporting terrorism." "Our patience has now run out. Now it is open war between us," he said. There has been no reaction from Afghan government officials to Asif's comments. The latest escalation of violence between the neighboring countries makes a Qatar-mediated ceasefire appear increasingly shaky. The Pakistani defense minister didn't mention the ceasefire. Asif also accused the Taliban government of denying Afghans basic human rights, including rights for women that he said are guaranteed under Islam, without providing details. World Pakistan claims to have killed at least 70 militants in strikes along Afghan border He said Pakistan had tried to maintain stability both directly and through friendly countries. "Today, when attempts were made to target Pakistan with aggression, by the grace of God, our armed forces are giving a decisive response," he said. Afghanistan on Thursday launched a cross-border attack on Pakistan in retaliation for deadly Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan border areas Sunday. World Pakistan and Afghanistan agree to maintain a ceasefire — for now...
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