Is Taliban Chief Hibatullah Akhundzada Dead After Kabul Airstrike?

Islamabad, February 27, 2026: Social media reports claim that Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, may have been killed during Pakistani airstrikes on Taliban positions in Kabul. The news first appeared on the X platform, posted by an account called “Afghan Times.”

The online report also alleges that several senior Taliban commanders were killed in the same strike. However, no official confirmation has been provided by Afghan authorities or independent sources.

Border Tensions and Retaliatory Strikes

The reported airstrike comes after heightened tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Pakistani officials said Taliban militants carried out unprovoked firing in border areas, prompting a major counter-offensive.

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) launched targeted strikes on multiple Taliban sites across Afghanistan. Security sources reported that jets hit a large ammunition depot in Nangarhar province, causing massive explosions and destroying key supply lines.

Officials claim that at least 133 Taliban fighters were killed and more than 200 were wounded in retaliatory strikes across multiple sectors.

No Confirmation Yet

Despite the circulating reports, there is no verified information confirming Akhundzada’s death. Analysts warn that such claims should be treated cautiously until independent verification is available.

Pakistani officials emphasized that the airstrikes aimed to neutralize militant infrastructure and prevent further attacks along the border.

The situation remains volatile, with ongoing monitoring of Taliban movements and border security operations.