Two loud explosions hit Jalalabad in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday morning, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing Afghanistan Pakistan war. Witnesses reported hearing a military jet overhead before blasts near the city’s airport.
The incidents come as Pakistan confirmed it has targeted 37 locations across Afghanistan in recent days, while the European Union, the United States and Iran called for restraint.
The flare-up matters because it signals one of the most direct military confrontations between the two neighbours in years, raising fears of wider regional instability that could affect UK security, migration flows and foreign policy.
What happened in Jalalabad?
Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar province, lies close to the Pakistan border and sits on a key highway linking Kabul to Islamabad. Its location makes it strategically important in any cross-border confrontation.
Afghan police spokesman Tayeb Hammad said: “A Pakistani fighter jet was shot down in the sixth district of Jalalabad city, and its pilot was captured alive.”
Wahidullah Mohammadi, spokesman for the Afghan military in the east, also confirmed Afghan forces downed the aircraft and detained the pilot.
Pakistan has strongly denied that one of its fighter jets crashed, calling the reports “totally untrue”. The conflicting claims highlight how fast-moving and difficult to verify events remain on the ground.
🚨BREAKING🇵🇰🔥: Thousands of Afghans have come out to celebrate the shooting down of Pakistani jet in Jalalabad.
Afghans firmly support their security forces in the ongoing war against the mercenaries of Netanyahu.#Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/mzS7ZfOY8V
— FailedMarshals(of Pakistan) (@DefeatInPunjab) February 28, 2026
How extensive are Pakistan’s air strikes?
Pakistan’s information minister said at least 37 locations inside Afghanistan have been subjected to aerial targeting since the operation began earlier this week. Islamabad claims it struck militant positions responsible for cross-border attacks.
Pakistani officials have also stated that more than 300 Afghan forces were killed during several days of strikes. Afghan authorities have not publicly confirmed those figures.
Military analysts say cross-border air strikes significantly increase the risk of open confrontation between regular armed forces. While skirmishes along the border are not new, confirmed aerial operations inside Afghan territory mark a more serious phase.
How has the international community responded?
Global powers have moved quickly to urge calm.
Why is the European Union calling for de-escalation?
Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, urged both sides to step back and engage in dialogue.
In a statement, she said: “The EU reiterates that Afghan territory must not be used to threaten or attack other countries and calls on the Afghan de facto authorities to take effective action against all terrorist groups operating in or from Afghanistan.”
The EU’s position reflects concerns that further escalation could destabilise South Asia and undermine counter-terrorism efforts.
Why does the US support Pakistan’s position?
The United States Department of State said it supports Pakistan’s “right to defend itself” against attacks allegedly launched from Afghan territory.
Allison Hooker, US under secretary of State for Political Affairs, said Washington continues to monitor the situation closely. The US position signals diplomatic backing for Islamabad, though it has not endorsed broader escalation.
Can Iran act as a mediator?
Abbas Araghchi offered to facilitate dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan after reports described the situation as approaching “open war”.
He said Iran stands ready to help enhance understanding and cooperation between the two countries and urged both sides to respect territorial integrity.
Iran shares borders with both Afghanistan and Pakistan and has a strategic interest in preventing regional instability.
Could the Afghanistan Pakistan war expand further?
Security experts warn that three factors will determine whether this becomes a wider conflict:
- Continued air strikes inside Afghan territory
- Confirmed loss of military aircraft
- Escalating political rhetoric on both sides
If both governments maintain aggressive military operations, the conflict could shift from limited cross-border strikes to sustained confrontation.
For the UK, this carries practical implications. Britain maintains diplomatic relations with Pakistan and has historic involvement in Afghanistan. A prolonged conflict could:
- Increase asylum and migration pressures
- Heighten terrorism-related security monitoring
- Shape UK foreign policy and NATO discussions
- Affect British nationals travelling in the region
At the time of writing, no updated UK travel advisory has been formally announced in relation to these specific incidents.
What happens next?
Diplomatic pressure is building. The EU has called for dialogue. The US has expressed support for Pakistan’s defensive claims. Iran has offered mediation. The United Nations has urged an immediate end to hostilities.
However, events on the ground remain fluid. Conflicting claims over aircraft losses and casualty numbers make independent verification difficult. If fresh strikes occur in the coming days, tensions could deepen quickly.
