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Afghan Air Force Strikes Pak Bases; 32 Soldiers Killed in Retaliation

Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence announced coordinated aerial operations targeting multiple Pakistani military installations, including the critical Nur Khan Airbase. The strikes are described as retaliation for recent Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory, including Kabul and Kandahar. The Taliban administration claims the attacks resulted in 32 Pakistani soldier fatalities and the destruction of several outposts. The Afghan ministry issued a stern warning that any further aggression would be met with a decisive military response.

Key Points: Afghanistan Attacks Pakistan Military Bases, 32 Soldiers Dead

  • Afghan airstrikes hit key Pak bases
  • 32 Pakistani soldiers reported killed
  • Retaliation for Pakistani strikes on Kabul
  • Taliban warns of swift response to aggression
3 min read

Nur Khan base among key Pak military infrastructure attacked by Afghanistan; 32 soldiers killed

Afghanistan conducts retaliatory airstrikes on key Pakistani military installations including Nur Khan Airbase, claiming 32 soldiers killed in escalating conflict.

"any further breach of Afghan airspace or 'acts of aggression' by Pakistan would invite 'a swift, decisive, and proportionate response' - Afghan Defence Ministry"

Kabul, March 2

Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence announced on Monday that its Air Force had conducted what it described as precise and coordinated aerial operations against multiple Pakistani military installations, signalling a sharp escalation in the already worsening security situation between the two neighbouring countries.

In a statement posted on X, the Afghan defence ministry said the strikes were aimed at major Pakistani military facilities, including the Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, the 12th Division headquarters in Quetta, Balochistan, and the Khwazai Camp in the Mohmand Agency of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

It further claimed that several other strategic command centres across Pakistan were also targeted during the operation.

"Based on preliminary assessments, the strikes successfully caused significant damage to the intended targets. These operations were carried out in response to the recent aerial incursions by the Pakistani military, which struck Kabul, Bagram," the statement said.

The ministry stressed that any further breach of Afghan airspace or "acts of aggression" by Pakistan would invite "a swift, decisive, and proportionate response".

The developments come less than a week after Islamabad declared what it termed "open war" on the Afghan Taliban administration following renewed cross-border clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces. Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul and Kandahar on Friday, hours after Afghan forces reportedly attacked Pakistani border troops in retaliation for earlier strikes conducted this week.

The Afghan statement reiterated its warning, asserting that any additional violations of Afghan airspace or "acts of aggression" by Pakistan would be answered with "a swift, decisive, and proportionate response".

The Nur Khan Airbase, a critical Pakistan Air Force installation near Rawalpindi, had previously been targeted during India's Operation Sindoor in May 2025.

That earlier strike had damaged select infrastructure at the base, after which repair and restoration activities were reported at the facility.

In a further escalation, the Taliban claimed that 32 Pakistani soldiers were killed in what it described as retaliatory attacks carried out by its forces overnight, reports Afghanistan-based TOLO news.

According to the ministry, the operations were conducted by the 203 Mansouri, 201 Silab, and 205 Al-Badr Corps, resulting not only in fatalities but also in injuries to 10 Pakistani soldiers and the destruction of four military outposts.

The deputy spokesperson for the ministry stated that the forces of Afghanistan also shot down two drones belonging to Pakistan's military regime.

Sediqullah Nasrat, deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, said, "The country's defence forces last night launched offensive operations using laser weapons and advanced equipment against the enemy in the provinces of Nangarhar, Paktia, Khost, and Kandahar, led by the 203 Mansouri, 201 Khalid bin Walid, and 205 Al-Badr Corps."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The mention of Nur Khan base being targeted before by India in 2025 is chilling. It shows how volatile that area remains. Pakistan's strategy of supporting non-state actors seems to be backfiring spectacularly. Karma is a real thing. 🤔
R
Rohit P
While no one wants war, it's hard to feel sympathy for the Pakistani establishment. They have nurtured the Taliban for decades as a strategic asset against India and Afghanistan. Now the same Frankenstein's monster is turning on them. Poetic justice, but the common soldiers paying the price is tragic.
A
Ananya R
The loss of life on both sides is heartbreaking. 32 soldiers killed... these are someone's sons, brothers, fathers. This tit-for-tat violence helps no one. Both governments need to show restraint and return to dialogue. The people of the region just want peace and development, not endless conflict.
K
Karthik V
The Afghan statement is very bold. "Swift, decisive, and proportionate response" – they are clearly not the weak government Pakistan expected. This changes the entire security calculus of South Asia. India must watch this very closely and ensure our borders are secure.
M
Meera T
I have a respectful criticism of the article's framing. It heavily relies on the Afghan ministry's statement. We need more independent verification of these claims, especially about the damage and casualties. Reporting on conflicts requires more balance and sourcing from both sides.

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

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