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Tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan escalated sharply after Afghan Taliban authorities claimed their air force carried out drone strikes on several key Pakistani military installations, including the strategic Nur Khan Airbase. The strategic Nur Khan Air Base was among the Pakistani military sites targeted by Indian forces during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
In a statement posted on X, Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry said the operations targeted multiple sites considered important military and operational centres. These included the airbase in Rawalpindi, the 12th Corps headquarters in Quetta, Khwazai Camp in Mohmand Agency of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and other facilities.
According to the Ministry, the strikes were conducted in response to recent Pakistani aerial incursions into Afghan territory. The statement described the operation as “precise and coordinated” and said preliminary assessments indicated “significant damage” to the intended targets. It warned that any further violations of Afghan airspace would draw a “swift, decisive and proportionate response”.
Afghan authorities also circulated footage on social media showing what they described as a kamikaze drone used in the operation, along with images of Pakistani military facilities.
Escalating Tit-for-Tat Strikes
The reported strikes follow Pakistani air raids on major Afghan cities, including the capital Kabul, amid months of mounting clashes along the border. Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, said Islamabad had tried to stabilise the situation through diplomatic channels but accused the Taliban of acting as a proxy for India – a charge Kabul has not accepted.
Pakistan said its airstrikes killed more than 270 Taliban fighters and injured over 400 others. Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, however, said Afghan forces had killed 55 Pakistani soldiers and targeted what he called “important military objectives” inside Pakistan.
Clashes intensified late Thursday when Taliban fighters reportedly attacked several Pakistani border posts. Pakistan responded early Friday with strikes in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia under what it called “Operation Ghazab lil Haq”.
The confrontation has again drawn attention to the disputed Durand Line – the 2,611-km frontier between the two countries that Kabul has never formally recognised.
Disputed Claims Over Downed Jet
Amid the fighting, Afghan officials claimed their forces had shot down a Pakistani fighter jet over Jalalabad and captured its pilot alive. Wahidullah Mohammadi said the aircraft was brought down in the city’s sixth district. Pakistan dismissed the claim as “totally untrue”.
Fighting Around Bagram
Afghanistan also said it had thwarted an attempted Pakistani airstrike on Bagram Airbase, north of Kabul, as cross-border hostilities entered a fourth day. Officials in Parwan province said several Pakistani jets entered Afghan airspace early Sunday and attempted to bomb the base around 5 a.m.
Afghan forces responded with anti-aircraft and missile defence systems, preventing the attack, according to local authorities. Pakistan has not immediately commented on the allegation.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue
Despite growing violence, diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent further escalation. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are among the countries engaged in attempts to broker a ceasefire, though so far without success.
Team BharatShakti
