Pakistani forces targeted Taliban positions near the Afghan border in the Kurram Sector using M-198 155mm howitzers, marking a significant escalation in February 2026. Footage from the strikes shows artillery shells landing on Taliban-held areas, with reports indicating dozens of casualties. These attacks prompted retaliatory measures from Taliban fighters, highlighting the rising volatility in the border region.

The incident is rooted in longstanding tensions following the 2021 Taliban takeover in Afghanistan. Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of harboring Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, who have conducted cross-border attacks, prompting Islamabad to respond with direct military action. Such exchanges remain rare but underscore the fragility of security in the border areas and the ongoing challenges Pakistan faces in countering militant activity while protecting its territorial sovereignty.