2026 Afghanistan–Pakistan war facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Afghanistan–Pakistan war |
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| Part of the recent conflict in the Afghanistan–Pakistan border skirmishes and the spillover of the insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | |||||||
 Afghanistan (orange) and Pakistan (green) |
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 Islamic State (alleged by Afghanistan) |
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A conflict began between Afghanistan and Pakistan on February 21, 2026. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) carried out air attacks in parts of Afghanistan. These attacks targeted areas in Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost. Pakistan stated its goal was to strike seven alleged camps of armed groups, including the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and the Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISIS–K). These actions were in response to recent violent incidents in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu, which Pakistan blamed on the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Afghan officials, however, said the air attacks hit civilian areas and religious schools. They reported 18 civilians died in Nangarhar province. Pakistan denied targeting civilians. A Pakistani newspaper, citing military sources, reported that 80 members of armed groups were killed. The UNAMA later confirmed that civilians were harmed. Afghanistan strongly criticized the attacks and promised to respond.
On February 26, 2026, Afghanistan launched its own operation against Pakistan. Pakistan then started 'Operation Ghazab Lil Haq' (meaning 'Wrath for the Truth') against the Taliban. This happened after more border clashes and shooting incidents along the Durand Line. The next day, Pakistan declared a state of 'open war' with Afghanistan.
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Understanding the Afghanistan–Pakistan Conflict
There have been ongoing disagreements between Pakistan and the Taliban government in Afghanistan for a long time. Pakistan often claims that armed groups, like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), use Afghan territory to plan and carry out attacks inside Pakistan. In October 2025, after some serious border clashes, Qatar helped arrange a temporary stop to the fighting. However, talks to make this agreement permanent did not succeed, and small incidents continued. The recent operations started just days after three Pakistani soldiers, captured in the October 2025 clashes, were released with help from Saudi Arabia.
On February 11, 2026, Pakistan's defense minister, Khawaja Asif, warned that Pakistan might act against armed groups in Afghanistan. This would happen if the Taliban did not stop these groups from using their land for attacks. In February, Pakistan experienced several violent incidents. These included a serious attack at a religious building in Islamabad that caused 36 deaths. Following these events, Pakistan formally warned the Afghan ambassador on February 19. Pakistan stated it would launch air operations inside Afghanistan if the Taliban government did not control these armed groups.
Air Attacks and Border Clashes
Initial Air Attacks
Late on February 21, reports from Afghanistan confirmed air attacks in Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost. In Nangarhar, attacks were noted in Bihsud and Khogyani districts. In Paktika, Barmal and Urgun districts were affected. Reports also mentioned attacks in Khost province. In Bihsud district, an air attack hit a civilian home, causing damage and injuries to 23 people.
Later that night, Pakistani officials confirmed their air force had conducted these attacks. They stated the attacks were carefully planned and targeted seven camps used by armed groups. These groups included the Pakistani Taliban and Islamic State Khorasan Province near the border. Pakistan said these actions were a response to recent violent incidents in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu. A Pakistani newspaper reported that over 80 members of armed groups were killed. However, Afghan officials stated that the attacks in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces killed 18 civilians, including 11 children. Afghan officials strongly criticized the attacks and promised to respond when ready.
Shayesteh Jan Ahadi, a former local leader, described the Pakistani air attacks as widespread and powerful. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) confirmed the attacks happened late on February 21 and early on February 22. UNAMA also reported that the attacks in Paktika province damaged buildings and other structures. By February 23, UNAMA confirmed that more than 13 civilians had died and seven others were injured from the Pakistani air attacks.
Continued Hostilities
On February 24, fighting restarted with both countries exchanging fire along their borders. Each side blamed the other for starting the clashes. An Afghan official stated that Pakistani troops fired first near the border. On February 26, a Taliban spokesman announced a 'retaliatory operation' had begun. He claimed it had killed many Pakistani soldiers and captured others. Pakistan's prime minister's spokesman denied these claims. Pakistan, in turn, claimed to have destroyed 27 Taliban border posts and captured nine. They also reported destroying over 80 pieces of military equipment. By February 27, the Taliban reported 55 Pakistani fighters killed. They also stated that Pakistani forces killed 19 civilians and injured 26 others in Khost and Paktika. The Taliban also claimed their drone units attacked military targets in Pakistan. On the same day, Taliban leaders expressed willingness for talks after Pakistani forces reportedly attacked Kabul and Kandahar.
Global Reactions to the Conflict
Domestic Reactions
Afghanistan: Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence strongly criticized the air attacks. They stated that Pakistan had hit a religious school and homes where people lived.
Pakistan: Pakistan's Minister of Defence, Khawaja Asif, announced an 'open war' between the two nations.
International Reactions
Countries Respond
Bangladesh: Bangladesh's Foreign Minister said the conflict would not help anyone.
China: China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep worry about the growing conflict at the border.
India: India's spokesperson strongly condemned the attacks. India also supported Afghanistan's independence and control over its own land.
Iran: Iran's Foreign Minister urged both countries to talk and solve their problems peacefully. He mentioned that the holy month of Ramadan is a time for peace.
Qatar: Qatar's Foreign Minister discussed with Pakistan's Foreign Minister how to lower tensions. They aimed to improve safety and stability in the region.
Russia: Russia offered to help find a solution. It asked both nations to stop the border attacks.
Turkey: Turkey's Foreign Minister spoke with leaders from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
United Kingdom: The UK's Foreign Secretary shared concerns about the rising tensions. She urged both sides to stop fighting, protect civilians, and start talks again.
United States: The United States said it would watch the situation closely. It also showed support for Pakistan against attacks from armed groups.
International Organizations Speak Out
United Nations: The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) asked both nations to stop fighting. They urged steps to prevent harm to civilians. Richard Bennett, a UN expert on human rights in Afghanistan, worried about the air attacks. He called for all sides to show "maximum restraint" and expressed deep concern for the many children and civilians harmed.
See also
In Spanish: Guerra afgano-pakistaní de 2026 para niños
- 2023 Afghanistan–Iran clash
- 2024 Iran–Pakistan conflict
- 2025 India–Pakistan conflict
- Afghanistan–Tajikistan border skirmishes
