Jalalabad, Afghanistan – In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, a Pakistani fighter jet has crashed in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad, with the pilot subsequently captured by Afghan military and police forces. The incident occurred on February 28, 2026, amid reports of cross-border airstrikes and retaliatory actions that have heightened fears of an open war between the two neighboring countries.
According to statements from Afghan officials, the jet was shot down in the sixth district of Jalalabad. “A Pakistani fighter jet was shot down in the sixth district of Jalalabad city, and its pilot was captured alive,” stated Tayeb Hammad, the police spokesman for Nangarhar province. Eyewitness accounts corroborated by multiple sources indicate that the pilot parachuted from the aircraft prior to the crash and was detained shortly thereafter. Afghan authorities have confirmed that the captured pilot has been transferred to Kabul for further processing.
This event unfolds against a backdrop of intensifying hostilities. Pakistan has conducted airstrikes on Afghan territory, targeting sites in Kabul and Kandahar, which Islamabad describes as necessary defensive measures against Taliban operatives. In response, the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of supporting ISIS affiliates and vowed a military retaliation. Reports indicate heavy casualties on both sides, with Pakistan claiming over 331 Afghan Taliban operatives killed in recent operations. Despite the aggression, Taliban representatives have expressed willingness for dialogue to de-escalate the situation.
The United States has voiced support for Pakistan’s right to self-defense in this context, further complicating the regional dynamics. As of the latest updates, explosions have been reported in Jalalabad, underscoring the volatile nature of the border region.
International observers are monitoring the developments closely, urging restraint to prevent a full-scale war. Further details on the pilot’s identity and the jet’s mission remain undisclosed by Pakistani authorities.
