Taliban forces from the Khalid bin Walid special forces wing claimed capture of seven Pakistani outposts in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces along the Durand Line at 8:00 PM local time on February 26, 2026, in retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes, while Pakistan announced Operation Ghazab Lil Haqq offensive against Taliban positions, during the 29-minute reporting window from 4:46 PM to 5:15 PM UTC, according to Taliban statements on Facebook and X posts by @Zabehulah_M33 and @NotWoofers. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated offensive operations targeted Pakistani military facilities along the border, with specific claims of capturing two outposts in Mashin-Naw area of Dor Baba district, Nangarhar; three in Anargi area of Goshta district; and two in Dokalam area of Nari district, Kunar, as posted by @Zabehulah_M33. Pakistan Armed Forces initiated armed offensive in response, per @OSPSF on X, amid reports of heavy artillery strikes on Taliban positions in Khyber and Bajaur sectors by @Pak_Osint and @Markhor_Paki. Conflicting reports emerged with @AhmadSharifzad claiming Taliban captured outposts on Paktia and Nangarhar borders but later fled several posts, while Pakistani sources reported destruction of Taliban positions including Almas Post and Barikot Base in Zazai district, Paktia, forcing retreats, according to @RomiAlerts. Footage showed intense clashes in Aryob district, Paktika, shared by @Baba_Thoka. Taliban announced heavy fighting in eastern zones involving 201 Khalid bin Walid Corps against Pakistani posts in Kunar and Nangarhar, requesting prayers for fighters, per their Facebook statement. Reinforcements moved from Kandahar to Chaman border and military convoys headed to the frontier, as reported by @AhmadSharifzad and NAYA news. Zabul Taliban prepared for direct war against Pakistan Army, per @AhmadSharifzad. These claims build on prior retaliatory attacks announced in Nangarhar-Khyber sector and clashes in Paktia, Paktika, and Kurram reported earlier on February 26, including Pakistani airstrikes prompting Taliban responses, according to previous updates citing @afridi5533, NAYA news, and Al Arabiya.
