ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — March 15, 2026 — Pakistan’s military said Saturday it carried out a new round of “precision strikes” against what it described as Afghan military installations near the countries’ shared border, marking another escalation in a period of strained relations between Islamabad and Kabul.
According to a statement from Pakistan’s Inter‑Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operation targeted “specific militant‑linked facilities located within Afghan military compounds.” The military claimed the strikes were launched in response to recent cross‑border attacks that Pakistani officials say were carried out by militants operating from Afghan territory.
Afghanistan’s Taliban‑led government did not immediately confirm the strikes, but officials in Kabul have repeatedly rejected Pakistan’s accusations, insisting they do not allow armed groups to use Afghan soil to stage attacks. Afghan authorities have also condemned previous Pakistani strikes as violations of sovereignty.
Rising Border Friction
Tensions between the two neighbors have grown over the past year, particularly along the rugged frontier where both sides have traded accusations of harboring hostile groups. Pakistan has faced a resurgence of attacks by the Tehreek‑e‑Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group ideologically aligned with the Afghan Taliban but organizationally distinct.
Islamabad argues that TTP fighters have found safe haven inside Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in 2021. Kabul denies this and says Pakistan’s security challenges stem from its own internal issues.
Civilian Impact Unclear
Local sources in Afghanistan’s Khost and Paktika provinces reported hearing explosions early Saturday, though details about casualties or damage remained unclear. Independent verification has been difficult due to limited access to the affected areas.
Human rights groups have urged both governments to avoid actions that could endanger civilians. Regional analysts warn that repeated cross‑border strikes risk deepening mistrust and destabilizing an already fragile security environment.
Diplomatic Fallout
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said it had conveyed its concerns to Afghan authorities through diplomatic channels, calling on Kabul to “take concrete steps” against groups Pakistan considers a threat. Afghan officials, in turn, have accused Pakistan of undermining regional stability through unilateral military actions.
International observers, including the United Nations, have encouraged both sides to pursue dialogue rather than military escalation. The UN has previously warned that deteriorating relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan could complicate humanitarian operations in border regions.
As of Saturday evening, neither government had announced plans for formal talks, leaving uncertainty over whether the latest strikes will prompt further retaliation or renewed diplomatic engagement.