Taliban forces and Pakistani border guards engaged in violent clashes at multiple points along the Durand border in Afghanistan's Paktia and Paktika provinces, including Aryob district in Paktika and Zazai district in Paktia, during the reporting window from 3:46 PM to 4:16 PM UTC on February 26, 2026. Afghan forces launched attacks on Pakistani border points in response to an airstrike, according to NAYA news, while Al Arabiya reported clashes at several border points. Footage emerged of ongoing clashes between Taliban militants and Pakistani border guards in Aryob district, Paktika province, as posted by Ahmad Sharifzad on X. High-level conflict was reported between Paktia-Parachinar borders involving Pakistan and Taliban forces, with specific clashes in Zazai district of Paktia, per the same source. These developments follow earlier clashes in Shurqo, Kurram district, Pakistan, starting around 5:50 PM Pakistan Standard Time on February 26, as reported in the previous update. Al Arabiya's breaking report confirmed violent clashes at several border points between Afghanistan and Pakistan during this 29-minute window.
