Pakistan Strikes Afghanistan, Claims Dozens of Militant Deaths
Islamabad launched airstrikes targeting militant hideouts in Afghanistan on February 22, 2026, claiming to have killed at least 70 militants. The strikes, aimed at groups responsible for recent attacks within Pakistan, have been met with condemnation from Kabul, which reports civilian casualties and asserts a violation of its sovereignty.
Pakistan’s Claims and Targets
Pakistan’s State Minister for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, stated that nearly 70 terrorists were “neutralised” in the operation . The military targeted seven camps and hideouts linked to Fitna al-Khawarij – a term used for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) – and affiliates of the Daesh-Khorasan, according to government statements . Specific locations targeted included “Fresh Centre No. 1 and New Centre No. 2” in Nangarhar, “Khwariji Maulvi Abbas Centre” in Khost, “Khwariji Islam Centre,” “Khwariji Ibrahim Centre” in Nangarhar, and “Khwariji Mullah Rahbar and Khwariji Mukhlis Yar” in Paktika .
President Asif Ali Zardari defended the actions as Pakistan’s right to defend its people against cross-border terrorism, referencing a recent UNSC report . He warned that those responsible for bloodshed inside Pakistan “will not remain beyond reach” .
Afghanistan’s Response and Reports of Civilian Casualties
The Afghan Defence Ministry condemned the strikes as a violation of its airspace and sovereignty, stating that “various civilian areas” in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces were hit, including a religious madrassa and homes . Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed the attacks “killed and wounded dozens, including women and children,” and dismissed Pakistan’s claim of 70 militant deaths as “inaccurate” .
Mawlawi Fazl Rahman Fayyaz, the provincial director of the Afghan Red Crescent Society in Nangarhar, reported 18 people killed and several wounded . Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Pakistan’s ambassador to Kabul to protest the strikes, asserting its “Sharia responsibility” to protect its territory and warning of consequences .
Context of Rising Tensions
The strikes follow a recent surge in militant violence in Pakistan, attributed to the TTP and Baloch separatist groups . Islamabad accuses the TTP of operating from within Afghanistan, a charge denied by both the group and Kabul .
Recent attacks within Pakistan include a suicide bombing in Bannu that killed two soldiers and another in Bajaur district that killed 11 soldiers and a child . Pakistan claims to have “conclusive evidence” linking these attacks to militants based in Afghanistan .
Pakistan has previously urged the Taliban-led government to prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory for attacks, alleging a lack of substantive action .
Diplomatic Efforts and Future Outlook
Security analyst Abdullah Khan suggests the strikes indicate a failure of Qatari, Turkish, and Saudi-led mediations to resolve tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan . A ceasefire established after border clashes in October has largely held, but formal agreement remains elusive .
The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation as Pakistan vows to protect its citizens and Afghanistan defends its sovereignty.