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Afghan Forces Strike Pakistan in Retaliation, Claim Heavy Enemy Losses

The Afghan Air Force conducted retaliatory airstrikes against Pakistani military targets in several locations, including near Islamabad. Taliban Deputy Spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat stated the attacks were in response to Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory the previous night. The Afghan Ministry of National Defence claims its forces killed 55 Pakistani soldiers, captured two bases, and destroyed numerous posts in the border operation. The clashes mark a significant escalation in tensions along the disputed Durand Line.

Key Points: Afghanistan Retaliates with Airstrikes on Pakistan

  • Afghan airstrikes hit Islamabad & other cities
  • Retaliation for Pakistani strikes on Kabul
  • 55 Pakistani soldiers claimed killed
  • Two military bases captured
2 min read

Afghanistan carries retaliatory attacks, claims Pakistan suffering heavy losses

Afghan Air Force targets Pakistani military camps, claims 55 soldiers killed in retaliatory strikes after Pakistani airstrikes hit Afghan cities.

"These airstrikes were carried out successfully, targetting important military positions, centres, and installations of the Pakistani army there. - Hamdullah Fitrat"

Kabul, Feb 27

Afghan Air Force conducted airstrikes against Pakistani military targets in Islamabad, Nowshera, Jamrud and Abbottabad, Taliban Deputy Spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat announced on Friday.

Fitrat stated that these attacks were conducted in response to the airstrikes carried out by the Pakistani military in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia last night.

"The Air Force of the Ministry of National Defence carried out airstrikes on a military camp near Faizabad city in Islamabad, Pakistan, an army cantonment in Nowshera, Jamrud military colony, and Abbottabad today at around 11:00 am," Fitrat shared on X.

"These airstrikes were carried out successfully, targetting important military positions, centres, and installations of the Pakistani army there. These attacks were carried out in response to the airstrikes carried out by the Pakistani military in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia last night," he added.

Earlier in the day, Afghan Ministry of National Defence said that the country's forces launched retaliatory strikes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, killing at least 55 Pakistani soldiers and capturing two bases along with 19 posts. The counter-attacks come amid escalating tensions along the border region.

According to the Afghan ministry, the attacks took place on Thursday night in response to Pakistan's strikes on Afghan territory, which killed women and children. The retaliatory operation by Afghan forces targetted posts of Pakistani military forces in the east and southeast directions, across the Durand Line.

During these operations, the ministry said, the Afghan forces destroyed two Pakistani military bases and 19 posts, forcing soldiers to flee from four additional posts. It added that over the course of the four-hour battle, 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed, several others were captured alive, and many others managed to escape.

"In these operations, dozens of light and heavy weapons, ammunition, and military supplies were seized by Afghan forces. Additionally, an enemy tank was destroyed, and a large military transport vehicle was captured," the Afghan ministry stated.

Additionally, it said, eight Afghan soldiers were killed, and 11 others were injured during the operation.

Kabul also mentioned that 13 Afghan civilians, including women and children, were injured in a missile attack by Pakistani forces on a refugee camp in the Afghan province of Nangarhar.

On Thursday, Pakistan launched 'Operation Ghazab lil-Haq' (Righteous Fury) in response to what it described as "unprovoked firing" by the Afghan forces across multiple border sectors, Pakistan's leading daily 'Dawn' reported. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) carried out airstrikes targetting military installations in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The reports of civilian casualties, especially women and children, are heartbreaking. No political or military objective justifies that. Both sides need to show restraint immediately. The international community must step in to mediate.
A
Arjun K
The Taliban government showing this kind of military capability is surprising. Strikes deep inside Pakistan like Islamabad and Abbottabad? If true, it shows a major shift. Pakistan's policy of using non-state actors has come back to haunt them, it seems.
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Sarah B
While the conflict is tragic, one has to question the source. The claims are coming from the Taliban spokesperson. We need independent verification of these casualty figures and the extent of damage. Both sides are known for propaganda in such situations.
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Vikram M
The Durand Line issue has been a powder keg for decades. Pakistan never accepted it as a permanent border, and now the Taliban, who they supported, are challenging them on it. Irony is at its peak. India must ensure its security interests in Jammu & Kashmir are not compromised amid this chaos.
K
Karthik V
A respectful criticism of the article: The headline feels like it's presenting the Taliban's claims as established fact. It should be clearer that these are unverified claims from one side of the conflict. Journalism needs more neutrality in such volatile reporting.
M
Michael C

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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