What is Operation 'Ghazab lil-Haq’? Pakistan’s Decisive Strike Against Taliban, Afghanistan Border

Pakistan-Afghanistan Open War: On February 27, 2026, Pakistan initiated Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, a significant military response to unprovoked aggression by Afghan Taliban forces. This operation marks a departure from localized border skirmishes, evolving into a full-scale military campaign involving the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and ground troops. As the two neighbors trade heavy fire, the international community watches with growing concern over the stability of South Asia.

Key Highlights: 

Operation Name: Ghazab lil-Haq (Righteous Fury).

Trigger: Alleged unprovoked firing by the Afghan Taliban on several Pakistani border sectors, including Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram, and Bajaur.

Major Targets: Military installations in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, and an ammunition depot in Nangarhar.

Reported Casualties: Pakistan claims over 133 Taliban operatives killed and 200+ injured; two Pakistani security personnel lost their lives.

Political Stance: Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared an "open war," stating that Pakistan's patience with cross-border attacks has run out.

Infrastructure Impact: Destruction of multiple Taliban brigade headquarters, corps headquarters, and logistics bases.

Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions escalate: Afghan Forces kill 55 Pakistani soldiers, Pakistan retaliates with Operation 'Ghazab Lil Haq'

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— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) February 27, 2026

What is Operation Ghazab lil-Haq? 

Operation Ghazab lil-Haq is a military offensive launched by the Pakistan Armed Forces aimed at neutralizing Afghan Taliban positions and infrastructure. The operation was authorized following a spike in hostilities along the Durand Line, the disputed 2,640-kilometer border between the two nations.

According to the Pakistan Information Ministry official the conflict escalated on the evening of Thursday, February 26, when Afghan Taliban forces allegedly opened fire on multiple Pakistani posts in the sectors of Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram, and Bajaur were hit, resulted  in the martyrdom of two Pakistani soldiers. 

In response, the Pakistani military command ordered an immediate and "crushing" counter-offensive. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that 27 Taliban posts were destroyed and 9 were captured during the initial phases of the operation.

Strikes on Kabul and Kandahar: In a significant escalation, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) conducted precision airstrikes deep inside Afghan territory.

• Kabul: Two Taliban brigade headquarters were reportedly destroyed.

• Kandahar: Strikes targeted a corps headquarters and a major ammunition depot.

• Paktia: Military facilities were neutralized to prevent further cross-border mobilization.

The humanitarian and diplomatic crisis,the "open war" declaration has led to the immediate suspension of border activities. Afghan families waiting for repatriation at the Torkham border were sent back to holding centers in Landi Kotal as the area became a combat zone.

Pakistan maintains the strikes are a necessary response to protect its sovereignty and counter-terrorism specifically targeting the TTP's alleged safe havens, the Taliban government has condemned the action as "cowardly," claiming the strikes hit civilian areas.

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