Pakistan carried out multiple overnight air strikes inside Afghanistan.
- Feb 22
- 2 min read
The Taliban said at least 18 people were killed, including women and children.
Pakistan stated the strikes targeted alleged militant camps near the Pakistan–Afghanistan border.
The strikes follow recent suicide bombings inside Pakistan.
🎯 Pakistan’s Position
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said:
Seven militant camps and hideouts were targeted.
Strikes were “intelligence-based selective targeting.”
Operations were a “retributive response” to recent terror attacks in Pakistan.
Targets allegedly included:
Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) – banned in Pakistan.
Affiliates of TTP.
Islamic State - Khorasan Province (IS-K).
Pakistan accused the Afghan Taliban of:
Sheltering militants.
Failing to act against cross-border attacks.
Allowing attacks allegedly directed by leadership in Afghanistan.
📍 Areas Targeted
Nangarhar Province
Girdi Kas village, Bihsud district:
A residential home was destroyed.
Taliban officials reported 18 family members killed.
One survivor said 23 family members were inside; five survived.
Taliban defence ministry said dozens were killed in civilian areas.
Paktika Province
Bermal and Urgun districts:
A guesthouse and a religious school were struck.
Local officials said buildings were empty at the time.
No deaths reported in these locations.
Homes were also destroyed in Balish village (Urgun district).
⚠ Casualty Figures
Taliban initially reported:
At least 18 deaths (including women and children).
Earlier estimates suggested around 20 fatalities.
No confirmed deaths reported in other targeted areas.
Pakistan has not confirmed civilian casualties.
🕌 Recent Attacks in Pakistan
Pakistan cited recent suicide bombings, including:
An attack on a Shia mosque in Islamabad.
Additional attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during Ramadan.
Islamabad claims these attacks were linked to militants based in Afghanistan.
🛑 Taliban Response
The Taliban’s defence ministry condemned the strikes as:
A violation of Afghanistan’s territorial integrity.
A breach of international law.
Warned of an “appropriate and measured response.”
Claimed targeting civilian homes and religious institutions reflected intelligence failure by Pakistan’s army.
🤝 Ceasefire Background
Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a fragile ceasefire in October 2025.
Ceasefire followed deadly cross-border clashes.
Fighting has continued sporadically despite the agreement.
Saudi Arabia recently mediated the release of three Pakistani soldiers captured during October clashes.
The October fighting was the worst since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
🌍 Border Context
Pakistan and Afghanistan share a 1,600-mile (2,574 km) mountainous border.
The border region has long been a base for militant groups operating across both countries.
🔎 Key Points
Pakistan conducted cross-border air strikes targeting alleged militant groups.
Taliban report at least 18 civilian deaths.
Pakistan says operation was retaliation for suicide attacks.
Taliban warn of possible response.
Tensions persist despite October ceasefire agreement.
Risk of renewed cross-border escalation remains high.
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