Media: Afghan forces shoot down Pakistani military jet

Afghan forces successfully shot down a Pakistani military jet in the 6th district of Jalalabad, officials confirmed, capturing the pilot alive.

The spokesperson for Nangarhar police did not provide further details on the circumstances leading to the downing of the aircraft or the current status of the pilot, Ariana News reports. 

The incident comes amid escalating tensions along the Durand Line, the disputed border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where security forces from both sides have reportedly engaged in sporadic clashes in recent days.

Fighting between Pakistani forces and the Afghan Taliban entered its third day on February 28 following overnight confrontations, prompting international calls for urgent dialogue. Both sides have reported heavy casualties, though figures remain conflicting and could not be independently verified. Pakistan reported 12 soldiers and 274 Taliban fighters killed, while the Taliban claimed 13 of its fighters and 55 Pakistani soldiers were dead.

Islamabad has accused the Taliban of harboring Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, who it says are carrying out attacks inside Pakistan—a claim denied by the Taliban. Pakistan described its operations as a response to cross-border assaults, while Kabul condemned them as a breach of sovereignty.

By Sabina Mammadli