Taliban–Pakistan War: What Is ‘Operation Ghazab lil Haq’? Second Major Clash In Months - What Triggered It?

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply escalated once again, with airstrikes, border battles and strong political statements pushing relations to a dangerous level.

The latest round of violence includes air raids, cross-border fighting and conflicting claims about casualties from both sides.

Here is a clear look at what triggered the recent clashes and how the situation unfolded.

Fresh Strikes Spark Escalation

The latest flare-up appears to have begun after Pakistan carried out strikes along the Afghanistan border on Sunday. Pakistan's military claimed that at least 70 militants were killed during those operations.

However, Afghanistan rejected this version. Kabul said the strikes hit civilian areas in eastern Afghanistan and resulted in the deaths of women and children. Afghan officials stated that homes and a religious madrassa were targeted, calling the attack a violation of their sovereignty and airspace.

These competing claims quickly worsened tensions between the two neighbours.

Afghan government on Pakistan Strike:

Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid strongly condemned the strikes. In a statement, he said, "The cowardly Pakistani military has carried out airstrikes in certain areas of Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia; fortunately, there have been no reported casualties."

Background: Months of Rising Tensions

The current violence did not start suddenly. Relations between the two countries have been strained for months.

Last October, deadly border clashes killed soldiers, civilians and suspected militants on both sides. Afghan authorities had earlier blamed Pakistan for explosions in Kabul. In response, Pakistan conducted strikes inside Afghanistan, saying it was targeting militant hideouts.

Although a ceasefire was later brokered with Qatar's help, peace remained fragile. Intermittent firing continued along the disputed Durand Line, the 2,611-kilometre border between the two countries. Talks held in November failed to produce a lasting agreement.

Conflicting Casualty Claims

Both sides have released very different figures from the latest clashes.

Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said two Pakistani soldiers were killed and three injured. He claimed that 36 Afghan fighters were killed during the exchange of fire. Later, officials stated that even higher numbers of Afghan fighters may have died and that several Afghan military posts were destroyed.

Afghanistan's Defence Ministry gave a very different account. It said its forces carried out retaliatory operations along the Durand Line and killed 55 Pakistani soldiers. Afghan officials claimed they captured two military bases and 19 posts, and seized weapons and equipment.

Kabul also admitted its own losses, stating that eight Afghan fighters were killed and 11 injured. In addition, Afghan authorities alleged that 13 civilians were wounded in a missile strike on a refugee camp in Nangarhar.

There has been no independent verification of the casualty figures released by either side.

On Friday, Pakistan reportedly carried out airstrikes on major Afghan cities, including Kabul and Kandahar. Journalists in both cities reported hearing explosions and aircraft overhead.

The airstrikes came hours after Afghan forces attacked Pakistani border troops. The Taliban-led government described that operation as retaliation for earlier Pakistani air raids.

'Open War' Rhetoric

Political statements have further intensified the crisis. Pakistan's Information Minister said Afghan defence targets were hit in Kabul, Paktia and Kandahar.

Soon after, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif used strong language on social media, declaring what he described as an "open war" or "all-out confrontation" with the Taliban government. His statement signalled a sharp rise in tensions and hardened positions on both sides.

Why the Durand Line Matters

At the heart of the conflict is the Durand Line, the long and disputed border between the two countries. Afghanistan has historically refused to formally recognise it as an official international boundary.

Frequent cross-border accusations of militant activity, airspace violations and troop movements have made the region unstable for years. Each new strike or clash risks triggering a wider conflict.

With airstrikes, ground battles and strong political rhetoric, the situation remains highly volatile. Both sides accuse the other of aggression, and trust appears to be at its lowest point in months.

What Is Pakistan's 'Operation Ghazab lil Haq'?

Pakistan has announced that it launched a military campaign named Operation Ghazab lil Haq in response to what it described as attacks by Afghan Taliban fighters on several Pakistani border posts late Thursday night.

According to officials in Islamabad, the operation was initiated after alleged cross-border aggression from the Afghan side. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that the action was in progress, stating that Pakistan's armed forces were giving a strong and decisive reply to what he termed hostile actions from across the border.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar shared details of the operation, claiming that at least 133 Afghan Taliban fighters were killed and more than 200 injured during the strikes. He said Pakistani forces targeted Taliban defence positions in Kabul, Paktia and Kandahar, adding that additional casualties were possible.

Tarar also stated that 27 Taliban posts were destroyed and nine were taken over during the operation. He further claimed that several high-level military facilities were hit, including two corps headquarters, three brigade headquarters, two ammunition depots, a logistics base, three battalion headquarters and two sector headquarters. According to him, more than 80 tanks, artillery systems and armoured vehicles were also destroyed.