27 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

International RelationsPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Afghanistan Retaliates Against Pakistan After Deadly Air Strikes

Q: If a Mains question asks to 'Critically examine the role of the Durand Line in the current Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict,' what key arguments should I include in my answer?

A critical examination should include: * Historical context: Briefly explain the Durand Line's origin and Afghanistan's non-recognition. * Territorial disputes: Discuss how the Line fuels territorial claims and border skirmishes. * Pashtun issue: Analyze how it divides Pashtun communities, contributing to instability. * Cross-border movement: Explain how it facilitates (or is used as an excuse for) cross-border militancy. * Pakistan's perspective: Include Pakistan's view on the Durand Line as an established border and its efforts to secure it. * Afghanistan's perspective: Include Afghanistan's view on the Durand Line as an imposed border and its impact on Pashtun tribes. Key points: Historical context: Briefly explain the Durand Line's origin and Afghanistan's non-recognition.. Territorial disputes: Discuss how the Line fuels territorial claims and border skirmishes.. Pashtun issue: Analyze how it divides Pashtun communities, contributing to instability.. Cross-border movement: Explain how it facilitates (or is used as an excuse for) cross-border militancy.. Pakistan's perspective: Include Pakistan's view on the Durand Line as an established border and its efforts to secure it.. Afghanistan's perspective: Include Afghanistan's view on the Durand Line as an imposed border and its impact on Pashtun tribes.

Afghan forces launch offensive against Pakistani military in response to air strikes.

Following recent Pakistani air strikes on Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, Afghanistan launched a military offensive against Pakistani forces, claiming to have killed and captured soldiers at multiple border points. A Taliban regime spokesperson stated that Afghan forces captured Pakistani outposts. Pakistan claims that Afghanistan initiated unprovoked fire. This cross-border military operation and exchange of fire highlights the fragile security situation along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and the continued tensions between the two countries.

The Pakistani strikes preceded the Afghan offensive, targeting the Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. The specific number of casualties on either side remains unconfirmed. The Taliban's claims of capturing Pakistani outposts further escalate the situation, raising concerns about potential for further clashes and instability in the region.

This situation is relevant for India due to its implications for regional security and stability. Any escalation of conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan could have spillover effects, impacting India's security interests and regional connectivity projects. This news is relevant for UPSC exams, particularly in the context of International Relations (GS Paper 2) and internal security (GS Paper 3).

Key Facts

Afghanistan launched a military offensive against Pakistani forces.

The offensive was in retaliation for recent Pakistani air strikes.

The offensive occurred at multiple points along the border.

Afghanistan claims to have killed and captured Pakistani soldiers.

Pakistan claims that Afghanistan initiated unprovoked fire.

Afghan forces allegedly captured more than 15 Pakistani outposts in two hours.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 2: International Relations - Bilateral relations between India and its neighbors, impact of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests.

GS Paper 3: Internal Security - Linkages between development and spread of extremism, role of state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.

Potential question types: Analyzing the causes of conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan, assessing the implications for regional security, evaluating India's role in promoting stability in the region.

In Simple Words

Afghanistan and Pakistan are fighting. Afghanistan attacked Pakistani military bases, saying it was retaliation for Pakistan's air strikes. Pakistan says Afghanistan started the fight.

India Angle

This affects India because instability in the region can lead to increased security concerns. India shares borders with Pakistan and has strategic interests in Afghanistan.

For Instance

It's like when neighbors have a dispute and start throwing things at each other's houses. Eventually, everyone in the neighborhood feels unsafe.

It matters because conflict between countries can disrupt trade, create refugee crises, and potentially involve other nations.

When neighbors fight, everyone suffers.

Afghanistan launched a military offensive against Pakistani forces, claiming to have killed and captured soldiers in retaliation for recent air strikes. The offensive occurred at multiple points along the border. The Taliban regime spokesperson stated that Afghan forces captured Pakistani outposts. Pakistan claims that Afghanistan initiated unprovoked fire. The military operation follows Pakistani strikes on Nangarhar and Paktika provinces.

Expert Analysis

The recent military actions between Afghanistan and Pakistan highlight several key concepts in international relations and security. The first is State Sovereignty, which is the principle that each state has the right to govern its territory without external interference, established by the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. Pakistan's air strikes on Afghan territory and Afghanistan's retaliatory offensive both raise questions about respecting the sovereignty of the other nation. Pakistan justified its strikes by claiming to target militants operating from Afghan soil, while Afghanistan viewed the strikes as a violation of its territorial integrity, leading to the counter-offensive.

Another relevant concept is Cross-Border Terrorism. Pakistan has long alleged that terrorist groups operate from Afghan territory and conduct attacks within Pakistan. These allegations have been a major source of tension between the two countries. Pakistan's air strikes were ostensibly aimed at these groups. This issue is further complicated by the porous nature of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and the difficulty in effectively monitoring and controlling the movement of militants. The Durand Line, the internationally recognized border between Afghanistan and Pakistan established in 1893, is a frequent crossing point and a source of contention due to its disputed legitimacy by Afghanistan.

Finally, the concept of Proxy Warfare is relevant. Both Afghanistan and Pakistan have, at times, been accused of supporting proxy groups that operate against the other. The allegations of Pakistan supporting the Taliban during the Afghan civil war, and the counter-allegations of Afghanistan supporting Baloch insurgents in Pakistan, illustrate this dynamic. The current situation, with both sides accusing the other of harboring militants, suggests that proxy dynamics continue to play a role in the conflict. For UPSC aspirants, understanding these concepts is crucial for analyzing the complex dynamics of the Afghanistan-Pakistan relationship, particularly for GS Paper 2 (International Relations) and GS Paper 3 (Internal Security).

Visual Insights

Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Clashes (February 2026)

Map showing the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region with markers indicating areas of reported clashes and captured outposts. Highlights the Durand Line and its disputed status.

Loading interactive map...

📍Afghanistan📍Pakistan📍Nangarhar Province📍Paktika Province

More Information

Background

The relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been historically complex and fraught with tension. A key point of contention is the Durand Line, the border established in 1893 between British India and Afghanistan, which Afghanistan has never formally recognized. This has led to disputes over territory and the treatment of Pashtun tribes living on both sides of the border. Pakistan's involvement in Afghanistan dates back to the Soviet-Afghan War in the 1980s, when it supported the Mujahideen against the Soviet Union. Following the withdrawal of Soviet forces, Pakistan played a significant role in the rise of the Taliban in the 1990s. After the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, Pakistan's support for certain factions within the Taliban continued to be a source of friction with the Afghan government and the international community. The issue of cross-border terrorism has been a persistent problem. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring terrorists who launch attacks on Pakistani soil, while Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of supporting the Taliban and other insurgent groups. These mutual accusations have led to a breakdown in trust and cooperation between the two countries.

Latest Developments

In recent years, relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have further deteriorated following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021. Pakistan has accused the Taliban regime of failing to control terrorist groups operating within its borders, leading to increased attacks in Pakistan. The Taliban, in turn, has accused Pakistan of interfering in Afghanistan's internal affairs. Pakistan has been constructing a fence along the Durand Line to improve border security, but this has been met with resistance from the Taliban, who dispute the legitimacy of the border. The issue of Afghan refugees in Pakistan has also been a source of tension, with Pakistan recently announcing plans to deport hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees. Looking ahead, the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan is likely to remain strained. The key challenges include addressing the issue of cross-border terrorism, resolving the border dispute, and managing the flow of refugees. Regional and international efforts to mediate between the two countries have so far been unsuccessful.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is this happening now? What triggered Afghanistan to retaliate so strongly against Pakistan at this moment?

The immediate trigger was the recent Pakistani air strikes on Nangarhar and Paktika provinces in Afghanistan. Afghanistan claims its offensive is a direct response to those strikes.

2. How does this escalation between Afghanistan and Pakistan potentially affect India's security interests?

Increased instability in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region could have several implications for India: * Cross-border terrorism: A destabilized Afghanistan could become a haven for terrorist groups, potentially increasing cross-border terrorism into India. * Regional security: Heightened tensions could further destabilize the region, complicating India's regional security strategy. * Geopolitical implications: India has invested in Afghanistan's development. Instability could undermine these efforts and affect India's influence in the region.

•Cross-border terrorism: A destabilized Afghanistan could become a haven for terrorist groups, potentially increasing cross-border terrorism into India.
•Regional security: Heightened tensions could further destabilize the region, complicating India's regional security strategy.
•Geopolitical implications: India has invested in Afghanistan's development. Instability could undermine these efforts and affect India's influence in the region.

3. What is the Durand Line, and why is it a point of contention between Afghanistan and Pakistan? How might UPSC frame a question about it?

The Durand Line is the border established in 1893 between British India and Afghanistan. Afghanistan has never formally recognized it, leading to territorial disputes and issues related to Pashtun tribes living on both sides. UPSC could frame a question like: 'The Durand Line agreement is a legacy of which colonial power?' with answer choices including Britain, Russia, France, and Portugal. examTip: Remember the Durand Line is a legacy of British India, not Russia or France.

Exam Tip

Remember the Durand Line is a legacy of British India, not Russia or France.

4. This situation sounds like proxy warfare. What distinguishes this from direct conflict, and how does cross-border terrorism fit in?

Proxy warfare involves supporting opposing sides in a conflict without direct military engagement. While this situation involves direct military action, cross-border terrorism can be a tool used in proxy conflicts. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring terrorists, while Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of interference. This mutual accusation, combined with military action, shows elements of both direct conflict and proxy warfare.

5. If a Mains question asks to 'Critically examine the role of the Durand Line in the current Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict,' what key arguments should I include in my answer?

A critical examination should include: * Historical context: Briefly explain the Durand Line's origin and Afghanistan's non-recognition. * Territorial disputes: Discuss how the Line fuels territorial claims and border skirmishes. * Pashtun issue: Analyze how it divides Pashtun communities, contributing to instability. * Cross-border movement: Explain how it facilitates (or is used as an excuse for) cross-border militancy. * Pakistan's perspective: Include Pakistan's view on the Durand Line as an established border and its efforts to secure it. * Afghanistan's perspective: Include Afghanistan's view on the Durand Line as an imposed border and its impact on Pashtun tribes.

•Historical context: Briefly explain the Durand Line's origin and Afghanistan's non-recognition.
•Territorial disputes: Discuss how the Line fuels territorial claims and border skirmishes.
•Pashtun issue: Analyze how it divides Pashtun communities, contributing to instability.
•Cross-border movement: Explain how it facilitates (or is used as an excuse for) cross-border militancy.
•Pakistan's perspective: Include Pakistan's view on the Durand Line as an established border and its efforts to secure it.
•Afghanistan's perspective: Include Afghanistan's view on the Durand Line as an imposed border and its impact on Pashtun tribes.

6. What larger geopolitical trend does this Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict represent, and what should UPSC aspirants watch for in the coming months?

This conflict highlights the ongoing issue of state sovereignty versus cross-border terrorism and the challenges of border management in politically unstable regions. Aspirants should watch for: * Statements from international bodies: Keep an eye on statements from the UN, EU, and other organizations regarding the situation. * Shifting alliances: Monitor any changes in regional alliances and diplomatic efforts to mediate the conflict. * Impact on counter-terrorism efforts: Analyze how this conflict affects regional and global counter-terrorism strategies.

•Statements from international bodies: Keep an eye on statements from the UN, EU, and other organizations regarding the situation.
•Shifting alliances: Monitor any changes in regional alliances and diplomatic efforts to mediate the conflict.
•Impact on counter-terrorism efforts: Analyze how this conflict affects regional and global counter-terrorism strategies.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Durand Line? 1. It was established in 1893 as the border between British India and Afghanistan. 2. Afghanistan has always formally recognized the Durand Line as the legitimate international border. 3. The Durand Line primarily divides the Tajik ethnic groups.

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Durand Line was indeed established in 1893 as the border between British India and Afghanistan. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: Afghanistan has never formally recognized the Durand Line as the legitimate international border, leading to ongoing disputes. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The Durand Line primarily divides the Pashtun ethnic groups, not Tajik.

2. In the context of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, what does the term 'Proxy Warfare' typically refer to?

A.Direct military conflict between the armed forces of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
B.Diplomatic negotiations mediated by a third-party country.
C.Support by Afghanistan and Pakistan to non-state actors operating against each other.
D.Joint military exercises conducted by Afghanistan and Pakistan to counter terrorism.

Show Answer

Answer: C

Proxy warfare refers to situations where states support non-state actors or groups that operate against another state, without directly engaging in military conflict themselves. In the context of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, this typically involves allegations of supporting insurgent groups or militant organizations operating across the border.

3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the recent developments between Afghanistan and Pakistan?

A.Afghanistan launched a military offensive against Pakistani forces in retaliation for recent air strikes.
B.A Taliban regime spokesperson claimed that Afghan forces captured Pakistani outposts.
C.Pakistan claims that Afghanistan initiated unprovoked fire.
D.The United Nations has formally condemned Afghanistan's actions as a violation of international law.

Show Answer

Answer: D

While the situation is tense and concerning, the United Nations has not formally condemned Afghanistan's actions as a violation of international law. The other statements accurately reflect the recent developments as reported.