The wave of attacks came after Afghan forces attacked Pakistani border troops on Thursday night following earlier airstrikes by Islamabad. On Thursday at about 8pm, Afghanistan launched a cross-border attack on Pakistan, saying it was in retaliation for deadly Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan border areas on Sunday. Pakistan has also frequently accused neighbouring India of backing the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army and the Pakistani Taliban, allegations New Delhi denies. Photograph: Abdul Khaliq Achakzai/ReutersThe volatile districts of Bajaur and Kurram bordering Afghanistan were worst affected by Afghan Taliban firings and mortar shells. Pakistan and Afghanistan share a 1,640 mile (2,611km) border known as the Durand Line, which Afghanistan has not formally recognised.

Source: The Guardian February 27, 2026 15:19 UTC