Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (Taliban government)

Force in Play

As of October 2026: Reported nine women and children killed in October 1 strikes on Kunar and Helmand; said its forces destroyed numerous Pakistani border posts in early October clashes

Pakistan and Afghanistan traded fire in the first days of October, and each government said it killed dozens of the other's troops. Islamabad calls the fight an "open war" and says airstrikes will continue until the Taliban reins in the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the militant group Pakistan blames for cross-border attacks.

Updated Oct 4