Afghanistan fires at Pakistani jets over Kabul as conflict intensifies
#Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict #Taliban #Kabul #Pakistan military operation #Regional instability #Diplomatic mediation #Militant infrastructure #Sovereignty violation
📌 Key Takeaways
- Afghanistan confirms firing at Pakistani jets over Kabul amid escalating regional tensions
- Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring militants, leading to cross-border military operations
- International community urges restraint as diplomatic mediation efforts intensify
- Both sides report heavy losses with U.S. supporting Pakistan's right to defend itself
📖 Full Retelling
Afghanistan's Taliban administration confirmed it fired at Pakistani jets over Kabul on March 1, 2026, after blasts and gunfire rocked the capital amid escalating tensions between the neighboring countries over Pakistani strikes against Afghan government installations. The violence comes as the region reels from U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks on U.S. targets in Gulf states, creating a volatile security environment across multiple fronts. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that air defense attacks were carried out against Pakistani aircraft over Kabul, assuring residents not to be concerned, though it remained unclear what specific targets were hit or if there were casualties from the early morning explosions. Pakistan's prime minister's office, information ministry, and military did not respond to requests for comment regarding the incident. The conflict stems from Pakistan's claim that Afghanistan harbors Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants waging an insurgency inside Pakistan, accusations that Afghanistan denies while describing Pakistani strikes as violations of sovereignty. Following Pakistan's operation 'Ghazab Lil Haq' (Wrath for the Truth), which it claims destroyed militant infrastructure and Afghan posts along the border, both nations have reported heavy losses with differing casualty figures that Reuters could not independently verify. Diplomatic efforts have intensified with Saudi Arabia, Russia, China, the European Union, and United Nations urging restraint and offering mediation, while the United States has expressed support for Pakistan's right to defend itself. Pakistan Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif described the fighting as 'open war,' while Afghanistan's Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani warned the conflict would be 'very costly' and indicated that the country has yet to fully deploy its military capabilities.
🏷️ Themes
Regional Conflict, Diplomatic Efforts, Security Instability
📚 Related People & Topics
Kabul
Capital and the largest city of Afghanistan
Kabul is the capital and largest city of Afghanistan. It is within the jurisdiction of Kabul District and has an estimated population of 5,333,284 people. Located in the eastern half of the country, forming part of the Kabul Province, the city is administratively divided into five zones and 22 munic...
Taliban
Islamist militant organization in control of Afghanistan
The Taliban, which also refers to itself by its state name, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, is an Afghan political and militant organization with an ideology comprising elements of the Deobandi movement of Islamic fundamentalism and Pashtun nationalism. It ruled approximately 90% of Afghanistan ...
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try{ var _=i o; . if(!_||_&&typeof _==="object"&&_.expiry U.S., Israel strike Iran; Trump says Khamenei killed U.S., Israel strike Iran — what is known so far Strategists see only temporary market impact from Iran strikes Bitcoin prices fall below $64,000 after U.S./Israel attack on Iran (South Africa Philippines Nigeria) Afghanistan fires at Pakistani jets over Kabul as conflict intensifies By Reuters World Published 03/01/2026, 12:39 AM Updated 03/01/2026, 12:42 AM Afghanistan fires at Pakistani jets over Kabul as conflict intensifies 0 By Mohammad Yunus Yawar KABUL, March 1 - Afghanistan said it was firing at Pakistani jets in Kabul after blasts and gunfire rocked the capital on Sunday, compounding instability in a region rattled by U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks on U.S. targets in Gulf states. The Taliban-ruled state has suffered Pakistani strikes against government installations over the past week following accusations, which it denies, that it harbours militants. The heaviest fighting in years between the neighbours has raised fears of a protracted conflict along their 2,600-km (1,615-mile) border, with several countries including Qatar and Saudi Arabia calling for restraint and offering to help mediate a ceasefire. Explosions echoed across parts of Kabul before sunrise, followed by bursts of gunfire, a Reuters witness said. It was not clear what had been targeted or whether there were casualties. Taliban administration spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the sounds were the result of Afghan forces targeting Pakistani aircraft over the capital. "Air defence attacks were carried out in Kabul against Pakistani aircraft. Kabul residents should not be concerned," Mujahid said. Pakistan’s prime minister’s office, information ministry and military did not respond to requests for comment. The violence follows air strikes inside Afghanistan this week that Pakistan said targeted militant infrastructure. Afghanistan described the strikes as a viol...
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