Ghudwana
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Ghudwana (Pashto: غدوانه; Urdu: غدوانہ) is a territory located at the Afghanistan–Pakistan border. It has historically been a part of Terwa District in Paktika Province of Afghanistan; however, several international and Pakistani media outlets reported that Pakistani forces seized the 32 km2 (12 sq mi) square territory in February 2026 in the wake of the 2026 Afghanistan–Pakistan war. There has not been any official confirmation yet, though The Jerusalem Post claims two Pakistani security officials confirmed the claim.
History
War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
During the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021), Ghudwana became a strategically key staging zone for the Afghan Taliban and other militant groups against the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and allied forces. The Taliban led two sieges of Ghudwana in 2015. It was also reportedly used for transporting explosive materials from Afghanistan into Pakistan by ex-TTP elements.
In August 2021, Taliban forces captured Ghudwana during the 2021 Taliban offensive from the IRA and allied forces.
2026 Afghanistan–Pakistan war
In February 2026, during the 2026 Afghanistan–Pakistan war, it was reported that the Pakistan Armed Forces had captured 32 square kilometres (12 sq mi) of Ghudwana. According to The Jerusalem Post, two Pakistani security officials confirmed that that Pakistani soldiers were still holding the Ghudwana area in southern Afghanistan as of early March.
On 27 March 2026, BBC News released satellite images, sourcing Planet Labs, of the newly installed fencing in the Ghudwana sector. Taliban leader Haji Khan Siddiq, however, denied all reports of fencing in the Paktika Province. The OHCHR and several UN experts put out a statement flagging the military presence in the Paktika Province as a breach of the UN Charter, which prohibits force against another state’s territorial integrity.
Speaking to Deutsche Welle, Ali K. Chishti, a Riyadh-based security analyst confirmed the establishment of a buffer zone in the territory, but believed that Pakistan was not seeking formal annexation of any Afghan territory. He further characterised it to be a temporary measure.