World reacts to eruption of fighting between Pakistan, Afghanistan
#Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict #Durand Line #Taliban #Open war declaration #International mediation #Cross-border attacks #Ramadan tensions
📌 Key Takeaways
- Pakistan declares 'open war' with Afghanistan's Taliban after cross-border attacks
- International community urges restraint with UN, Iran, Russia and China offering mediation
- Conflict stems from Taliban offensive operations against Pakistani military along Durand Line
- Both sides exchange strikes as tensions escalate during sensitive Ramadan period
📖 Full Retelling
World powers including the United Nations, Iran, Russia, and China have urged restraint as Pakistan and Afghanistan's Taliban government escalated their conflict to 'open war' status following cross-border attacks along the Durand Line on February 26, 2026, with Islamabad launching strikes inside Afghanistan's Kandahar and Paktika provinces in response to Taliban 'large-scale offensive operations' against Pakistani military positions. The United Nations, through Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, expressed deep concern over the surge in violence, urging both nations to adhere strictly to international law and prioritize civilian protection. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while engaged in talks to avert conflict with the US, called for dialogue based on good neighborly principles, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. Russia has demanded an immediate halt to cross-border attacks and offered to mediate the dispute, while China has stated it is already mediating through its own channels and is willing to play a constructive role in de-escalating tensions. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif blamed the Taliban for terrorism and instability within Pakistan, claiming that Islamabad had exhausted all diplomatic efforts to maintain stability, while former Afghan President Hamid Karzai responded defiantly, asserting that Afghanistan 'will defend their beloved homeland with complete unity in all circumstances and will respond to aggression with courage.' The conflict represents a dangerous escalation in already tense relations between the neighboring nations, with the Durand Line—a contentious border drawn by British colonial rulers in 1893—remaining a source of dispute that threatens to destabilize the volatile region.
🏷️ Themes
International Diplomacy, Regional Conflict, Border Disputes
📚 Related People & Topics
Durand Line
International border between Afghanistan and Pakistan
The Afghanistan–Pakistan border, commonly known as the Durand Line, is a 2,640-kilometre (1,640 mi) international border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. India also claims a land border with Afghanistan, on the eastern end of the Durand Line, between Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor and Gilgit, admini...
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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Civilian casualty
1 shared
Original Source
News | Conflict World reacts to eruption of fighting between Pakistan, Afghanistan Countries around the world are urging the warring parties to show restraint. Listen to this article | 3 mins By Al Jazeera Staff Published On 27 Feb 2026 27 Feb 2026 Click here to share on social media Share Save Add Al Jazeera on Google Pakistan has said it is now in “open war” with Afghanistan’s Taliban government as explosions were reported in Kabul and fighting continues in other locations along the border. Pakistan says it has also attacked Kandahar and Paktika inside Afghanistan. The declaration on Friday comes hours after Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghanistan was carrying out “large-scale offensive operations” against the Pakistani military along the Durand Line ” which separates the two countries. Recommended Stories list of 3 items list 1 of 3 Photos: The aftermath of Pakistan’s air strikes in Afghanistan list 2 of 3 Pakistan claims at least 70 fighters killed in strikes along Afghan border list 3 of 3 Iran banks big on murky oil ‘trustees’ as war with US on the horizon end of list The Taliban said its attack was in response to a separate round of Pakistani air strikes earlier this week. Here is how countries and institutions are reacting: United Nations UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is closely monitoring the situation, expressing deep concern over the surge in violence. In a statement delivered by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, Guterres urged both nations to adhere strictly to their obligations under international law, with a specific emphasis on international humanitarian law. Guterres underscored the urgent need for both parties to prioritise the protection of civilians as confrontations continue. Iran Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who has been involved in intensive talks with the United States to avert conflict engulfing his own nation, has urged the two countries to resolve their differences through dialogue and good neighbourl...
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