Heavy Fighting Erupts Along Durand Line, Taliban Report Dozens Of Pakistani Casualties | Exclusive
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Last Updated:February 27, 2026, 18:28 IST
Taliban officials assert that their forces have captured or destroyed between 15 and 19 Pakistani military outposts along the frontier
resetRapid ReadRapid ReadSummarized by AI.+Heavy fighting erupted along the Durand Line, with the Taliban claiming to have captured or destroyed up to 19 Pakistani outposts, killed 55 soldiers, and seized weapons. Pakistan’s defense minister called the situation “an open war,” marking a sharp escalation. More Rapid Read Like this summary?Share Your Feedback
Heavy fighting has erupted along the disputed Durand Line, with the Afghan Taliban claiming significant battlefield gains against Pakistani military positions in a rapidly escalating border conflict.
According to Taliban spokesmen Zabihullah Mujahid and Hamdullah Fitrat, Afghan fighters launched large-scale retaliatory operations targeting Pakistani military checkposts and installations across key border districts, including Dand Patan in Paktia province and areas of Khost province.
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The offensive marks one of the most serious flare-ups between Islamabad and Kabul in recent years, with cross-border artillery exchanges and reported air and ground engagements continuing through Friday.
Taliban Claims of Captured Posts and Casualties
Taliban officials assert that their forces have captured or destroyed between 15 and 19 Pakistani military outposts along the frontier. Among the most significant claims is the seizure of a Pakistani military outpost in Dand Patan district.
They further allege that at least 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed during the clashes, with 23 bodies recovered and taken into Afghan custody. Taliban representatives also claim that approximately 17 Pakistani soldiers were captured alive during ground operations.
In addition to personnel losses, Afghan fighters reportedly seized weapons and equipment from overrun positions, including G-3 rifles, armoured vehicles, tanks, and other military hardware.
Retaliatory Operations In Khost And Paktia
Taliban sources describe the campaign as a retaliatory response to prior Pakistani actions along the border. Afghan forces reportedly targeted multiple Pakistani checkposts in Khost province while consolidating control in parts of Paktia province.
The Durand Line, long a source of tension between the two neighbours, has witnessed months of tit-for-tat incidents, including cross-border shelling and accusations of militant safe havens on both sides.
Pakistan’s defence minister has characterised the current situation as “an open war", underscoring the severity of the confrontation as air and ground operations reportedly continue.
A Sharp Deterioration In Relations
The latest escalation signals a dangerous deterioration in already fragile relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. While the Taliban’s claims have not yet been independently verified, the scale of reported casualties and territorial gains suggests a significant intensification of hostilities.
Regional observers warn that sustained fighting along the border could destabilise broader security dynamics in South and Central Asia, particularly if further retaliation or expanded military operations follow.
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