27 February 2026
Pakistan-Afghanistan
Pakistan’s defence minister declared “open war” on the Afghan Taliban. Pakistan’s Air Force launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, which targeted military installations in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. It is believed that over 270 Taliban members and members of other terrorist organizations were killed in the operation. Pakistan’s Foreign Office stated that any further terrorist attacks “will be met with a measured, decisive and befitting response”.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s spokesman, claimed that the Taliban carried out drone strikes on Islamabad.
United States
The US arrested ex-Air Force Major Gerald Brown, former call sign “Runner”, over allegations that he provided training to Chinese air force pilots. Brown, a former F-35 training pilot, led combat missions and was responsible for commanding “sensitive units”, including those involved in nuclear weapons delivery systems.
Cuba
The United States will ease restrictions on Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba. Neighbouring countries have been sounding the alarm on a potential humanitarian crisis for Cuba as the United States essentially turned off the oil taps to the country. With some suggesting that the Trump administration was attempting to force a Cuban regime change.
US-Iran
American Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, instructed embassy staff via email to depart today if they wish to do so. “There is no need to panic,” the email read. “For those desiring to leave, it’s important to make plans to depart sooner rather than later.” He also urged anyone planning to leave to book flights, citing the likely surge in demand from Israel after the embassy’s move.
An Iranian-backed Iraqi armed group, Kataib Hezbollah, told its members to prepare for a long war between the US and Iran. Signalling that that group will be involved in the conflict, which it described as an attritional war. Iraqi groups, which were backed by Iran, did not join the 12-day conflict last year.
Sweden
Russia rejects Sweden’s claim that a Russian-linked drone was jammed near a French aircraft carrier that was in the Oresund Strait, around 13 kilometres (eight miles) from France’s Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, which was there at a stopover on the way to a NATO exercise. Swedish defence minister, Pal Jonson, stated that the drone probably came from Russia as there was a Russian vessel in the vicinity.
Ukraine
A “local truce” has been established in the area of the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant while an important backup power supply is being restored. The IAEA negotiated the truce while the repair work on the 330-kilovolt backup line is finished.
China
On Thursday, the purge of China’s military leadership continued, with five People’s Liberation Army generals stripped of their membership in parliament. Li Qiaoming, who has been the commander of the PLA Ground Force, and Shen Jinlong, former PLA Navy commander, were dismissed as National People’s Congress (NPC) deputies. Also removed were the current or former political commissars of the PLA Navy, Air Force, and Information Support Force: Qing Shengxiang, Yu Zhongfu, and Li Wei. Several other military officers and a number of provincial officials, including Sun Shaocheng, the former party chief of the Inner Mongolia region, were also removed.
Social media wires
Hamid Khorasani, Afghan Taliban commander, stated that while Pakistan has nuclear weapons and missiles, the Taliban have suicide bombers. Doubt he will take part.
Ukraine documents Russian phosphorus attack on residential buildings in Kostyantynivka
Featured Photo: “Pakistan IRBMs” – Wikimedia Commons, 2026
The Wires Brief is a daily breaking news report incorporating wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates. Feature photos are altered with grayscale.