In a significant escalation of military operations along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, Pakistan’s security forces inflicted substantial damage on Afghanistan’s strategic Bagram Air Base during airstrikes conducted as part of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq. This operation, launched on February 27, 2026, was a direct response to a series of unprovoked attacks by the Afghan Taliban targeting Pakistani territory. The offensive has involved a combination of ground maneuvers and aerial bombardments aimed at dismantling Taliban infrastructure across the border.
The Pakistan Air Force played a pivotal role in these strikes, targeting key Taliban military installations inside Afghanistan. Satellite imagery analyzed following the attacks revealed extensive destruction at Bagram Air Base, a site long recognized as a critical hub in the region. Notably, one aircraft hangar and two large warehouses were completely destroyed, severely impacting the base’s operational capacity. This base has historically been a focal point for both American military efforts during their two-decade presence in Afghanistan and, more recently, a strategic asset for Taliban forces.
Reports from international media outlets, including a detailed assessment by The New York Times, highlighted the scale of the damage. The newspaper described the warehouses as the “nerve center” of the prolonged conflict in Afghanistan, underscoring the strategic blow dealt to Taliban logistics and command capabilities. Over the course of the past week, Pakistan has reportedly executed more than 50 targeted strikes against various Afghan military and militant positions, signaling a sustained campaign rather than isolated incidents.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence has acknowledged the Pakistani airstrikes, confirming that the attacks specifically targeted the Bagram region. This admission comes amid growing international concern over the rising cross-border tensions and the potential for further destabilization in the already volatile area. Pakistani officials have justified the operation by pointing to United Nations reports that identify the presence of Fitna al Khawarij (FAK) terrorist elements within Afghan territory, which they claim threaten Pakistan’s national security.
Experts quoted by Pakistani state media emphasized that the strike on Bagram Air Base was intended as a strong message to the Afghan Taliban leadership. It demonstrated Pakistan’s capability and willingness to conduct precise military operations deep inside Afghanistan if necessary, challenging the Taliban’s control and their ability to launch attacks across the border with impunity. The timing of the strike, carried out at sunrise on Sunday, was reportedly chosen to maximize the element of surprise and minimize collateral damage.
Local residents near the affected area reported hearing a series of powerful explosions, confirming the intensity of the air raids. A Pakistani military official confirmed that the strikes were carefully planned to target Taliban equipment and supply depots, aiming to degrade their operational readiness. This military action marks one of the most significant Pakistani offensives in recent years against Taliban forces within Afghan territory, reflecting Islamabad’s determination to curb militant aggression and secure its borders.
