The border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan (under Taliban rule) have surged dramatically. Gunfire, attacks, and airstrikes are rampant on both sides. Amid this chaos, there’s a viral social media claim – Afghan soldiers allegedly shot down a Pakistani jet with a rocket launcher. Posts vary, mentioning F-16s in some, JF-17s in others. Tolo News also reported that Afghan forces shot down a Pakistani aircraft, but which jet remains a mystery.
Grasping the Full Backstory
For years, disputes have simmered along the Durand Line, the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistan contends that the TTP (Pakistani Taliban) hiding in Afghanistan launch attacks against it. In response, Pakistan recently conducted airstrikes in Afghan regions like Nangarhar and Paktia, employing its Air Force jets, including F-16s and JF-17s.
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The Taliban retaliated fiercely – striking Pakistani border posts, capturing some, and claiming casualties. As a result, Pakistan continued its strikes on Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. Then came Afghanistan’s bold assertion: a Pakistani jet intruded into their airspace, and they shot it down.
Tolo News’ Perspective
On February 27, 2026, Tolo News flashed breaking news... Security sources revealed that Afghan forces had downed a Pakistani aircraft violating Afghan airspace. Notably, Tolo News abstained from specifying an F-16 or JF-17 – simply labeling it a Pakistani aircraft. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the skirmishes but did not mention the jet incident.
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What’s Trending on Social Media?
A series of videos posted by Afghan defense account (@AFGDefense) and pro-Taliban accounts shows blazing wreckage, Pakistan’s flag, and the number 85510. The caption reads - This is an American-made Pakistani F-16, downed by Afghan forces.
Some claim it was shot down by a rocket launcher. However, many users, including AI systems like Grok, suggest the video might be outdated or fake. The number 85510 doesn’t correspond to any known Pakistani jet. In the past, similar fake videos have circulated (such as the 2020 trainer jet crash or old B-17 wreckage).
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What Jets Does Pakistan Have?
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) primarily employs two fighter jets...
Source: aajtak
The F-16 is the first. Manufactured by America’s Lockheed Martin, Pakistan boasts about 75 to 80 of these jets. Notably fast, equipped with advanced radar, and capable of carrying long-range missiles, it’s a formidable machine subject to specific operational conditions set by the U.S.
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The second is the JF-17 Thunder. A product of Sino-Pakistani collaboration, Pakistan has over 150 of these aircraft, numerically dominant in its fleet. Affordable and easy to produce, the JF-17 sees frequent combat deployment. Notably, JF-17s were employed in the 2024 strikes on Afghanistan, while the F-16 remains reserved for critical missions.
Source: aajtak
Does Afghanistan Possess the Capability to Down Jets?
The Afghan Taliban lacks advanced air defense systems, like S-300 or Patriots.
They might possess outdated MANPADS (such as Stinger shoulder-fired rocket launchers).
Shooting down high-speed jets like F-16s or JF-17s at altitude with such rockets is highly challenging. These jets typically fly at altitudes of 20,000 to 30,000 feet.
Experts surmise the claim might be propaganda. Such assertions are common in warfare.
Pakistan’s Response
Pakistan has not confirmed any jet nor sustains any losses. They maintain their attacks were successful and caused significant damage in Afghanistan. No pilots are reported missing or any crash confirmed.
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What’s the Truth?
Tolo News’ claim roads only to a Pakistani aircraft, without detailing type. Social media’s viral focus on the F-16 stems from the boldness of claiming an American jet’s downfall. Mentions of the F-17 are sparse, though JF-17s were likely more engaged in actual warfare.
The videos remain unverified. Both nations’ war situations fuel misleading claims. Pakistan has warned of open war-like steps. Afghanistan has threatened retaliation.
