Pakistan's crucial Noor Khan Airbase is significantly damaged. Social media jokes abound that India's Sindoor Operation had barely ceased, and the cement was hardly dry before Afghans attacked again. This humor stems from India's precise strikes against Pakistan in May 2025 under Operation Sindoor, targeting Noor Khan Airbase, causing substantial damage.
Pakistan's military worked tirelessly to repair it, but in March 2026, the Afghan Taliban swooped in with an air assault. Afghanistan's Defense Ministry stated the attack was a retaliation for Pakistan's recent air raids.
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The aftermath left Noor Khan Base in worse condition, halting repairs. Pakistani citizens are anxious about how long their military can withstand such assaults.
Source: aajtak
Afghan Strike on Noor Khan Airbase Shakes Rawalpindi to its Core
Noor Khan Airbase, crucial to Pakistan Air Force, is near Rawalpindi. It houses command centers, fighter jets, transport planes, and ammunition depots. On March 2, 2026, Afghan Air Force accurately struck.
Afghanistan's Defense Ministry praised their pilots for precision targeting. The attack devastated vast sections of the base. Residents heard blasts throughout the night. Pakistan has yet to fully disclose the damage, but viral footage shows smoke and flames.
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Despite Pakistan claiming swift repairs after Operation Sindoor, Afghan forces countered quickly, surprising the Pakistani military. Base security is now heightened, yet the public insists on severe conditions.
Attack on Quetta's 12th Division HQ Sparks Chaos in Balochistan
The second significant target of Afghan assaults is Quetta in Balochistan province, home to Pakistan Army’s 12th Division Headquarters, overseeing Balochistan's security. Thousands of troops are stationed here. Afghanistan's Defense Ministry confirmed drone strikes directly hit the headquarters.
Source: aajtak
This attack was retaliation for Pakistan's prior bombings of Kabul and Kandahar. After the attack, chaos ensued across Quetta, with people rushing out onto streets. The headquarters' damage is a severe setback for Pakistan, as it also confronts Baloch separatists.
Afghanistan claims the strike was purely retaliatory and vows to keep targeting Pakistani sites. The Pakistani government has shut down internet and mobile services in Quetta to control the spread of information.
Assault on Khwajai Military Camp in Mohmand Agency Heightens Border Tensions
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Mohmand Agency, Khwajai Military Camp faced Afghan strikes, given its proximity to the Afghan border. Numerous Pakistani military units stationed there monitor the frontier.
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Afghanistan's Defense Ministry stated the assault was a direct response to Pakistani border violations. The camp suffered damage to tents and vehicles, sparking gunfire exchanges. Tribal locals are now hiding indoors, with schools and markets closed.
Khwajai Camp's significance lies in actions against groups like TTP, as Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of supporting such organizations. This assault has intensified border tensions, with both nations' forces on alert and news flowing hourly.
Source: aajtak
Peshawar Airbase and Other Border Sites Also Under Fire
Afghan forces didn't limit their attacks to three sites. Their statement noted strikes on Peshawar Airbase and several smaller border military posts. Peshawar Airbase, the second largest for Pakistan Air Force, hosts numerous combat aircraft. Afghan drones caused structural damage here, and additional gunfire targeted camps in regions like Bannu and Wana.
Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry asserts these attacks retaliate against Pakistani strikes on Kabul and Kandahar. Over the past six months, clashes have intensified between both countries. These attacks have shaken Pakistan's entire defense framework, forcing the military to contend on multiple fronts simultaneously.
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Why Tensions Are Rising and What May Happen Next?
The enduring rivalry between Afghanistan and Pakistan has surfaced. Their shared border, the Durand Line, remains disputed. Pakistan alleges terrorists from Afghanistan, like TTP, are launching attacks. Meanwhile, the Taliban accuses Pakistan of aiding opposition groups against them.
Weakened by India's 2025 assault, Pakistan finds itself vulnerable, prompting Afghanistan's retaliatory attacks. The situation escalated by March 2026 into mutual airstrikes, severely affecting civilians. Thousands of families are fleeing the border regions.
