Afghanistan’s Taliban government claimed retaliatory airstrikes deep inside Pakistan on February 27, 2026, targeting areas near Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Nowshera, Jamrud, and Abbottabad following Pakistan’s Operation Ghazab lil-Haq. Reports allege strikes killed Army Chief Asim Munir’s senior advisor, though Pakistan dismissed these as “rumors” with no official confirmation.
Conflicting Accounts Emerge
Taliban Defense Ministry stated operations from Landi Kotal hit military bases using limited air assets (helicopters, small drones) against Pakistan’s Kabul-Kandahar bombings. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar denied Islamabad/Rawalpindi impacts, calling claims propaganda amid cross-Durand Line clashes.
Escalation Timeline
- Feb 22: Pakistan airstrikes kill 18+ in Paktika/Nangarhar (TTP/ISKP camps per Islamabad).
- Feb 26: Taliban vows “measured response”; Pakistan launches Ghazab lil-Haq (133 militants claimed).
- Feb 27: Taliban reports drone strikes; Pakistan declares “open war.”
Capability Questions
Taliban’s air force—US-supplied light helicopters from 2021 collapse—lacks precision strike capacity for 200km+ deep strikes. Analysts doubt technical feasibility; independent verification absent amid fog of war.
Strategic Fallout
Islamabad claims remain unconfirmed; if true, marks unprecedented Taliban reach. Pakistan reinforces borders as Trump praises Sharif/Munir amid nuclear neighbors’ brinkmanship.
