After the Nur Khan airbase attack, Afghanistan claims it destroyed Pakistan’s Kohat military base

The conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan intensified after Kabul claimed fresh retaliatory attacks on Pakistani military infrastructure, including the destruction of the Kohat military base, days after targeting the strategically sensitive Nur Khan air base in Rawalpindi. Afghan officials described the strikes as part of coordinated air operations responding to earlier Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan territory.

According to Afghanistan’s defense ministry, the drone strikes hit Kohat Military Fort, described as a major combat command center near the Durand Line. In the statement published on X, the Ministry said that military facilities, warehouses and soldiers’ residences were damaged or destroyed during the operation.

Tension escalates after cross-border bombardment in Khost

The retaliation took place after Pakistan opened artillery fire on areas in the Alisher-Terezai region of Khost province, close to the border. Afghan media reported that at least four people from a family were killed and three people were injured in the bombardment.

Fuel depot strike near Kandahar airport

Afghan officials also accused the Pakistani Air Force of targeting fuel depots belonging to private carrier Kam Air near Kandahar Airport. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the facilities provide fuel to domestic airlines and planes operated by the United Nations.

Nur Khan airbase attack points to earlier escalation

The latest allegations come after Afghanistan earlier targeted Nur Khan airbase, a key Pakistan Air Force facility near Rawalpindi. The facility plays a central role in transport logistics, aerial refueling operations and military command coordination, and is located close to Pakistan’s Strategic Plans Division, which oversees the country’s nuclear arsenal.

Precedent of India’s Operation Sindoor

Nur Khan was also shot down during India’s Operation Sindoor last year, when an Indian missile reportedly damaged the Pakistan Air Force command and control centre. Satellite images released later confirmed structural damage, and analysts described the attack as a turning point in the conflict.

Rising border tensions and recent airstrikes

The attacks come amid a sharp escalation in hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan since February, including reported Pakistani airstrikes on Kabul and other Afghan cities.

Durand line dispute and militant activity

Tensions between the two countries have remained high since the Taliban came to power in 2021, largely due to disagreements over the Durand Line and Pakistan’s demand that Kabul take action against militant groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan. Islamabad has accused Afghanistan of harboring the group, which operates independently but shares ideological ties with the Afghan Taliban.

Rebel violence increases in border provinces

TTP’s armed attacks Balochistan The Liberation Army has surged in recent years, particularly in Pakistan’s border provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which have seen frequent cross-border clashes and insurgency violence.