Targeting militant hideouts, Pakistan launched cross-border airstrikes into eastern Afghanistan on February 22, 2026.
The operations, according to Islamabad, were “intelligence-based and selective” and targeted organizations such as the TTP and ISKP.
Pakistan said it destroyed terrorist facilities and killed dozens of militants.
According to the United Nations and Afghan officials, the strikes killed at least 13 civilians, including children.
Kabul strongly condemned the destruction of civilian buildings and residential areas.
The Afghan government denounced the attacks as violations of sovereignty and international law.
Afghan authorities denied Pakistan’s allegations of militant presence at the targeted locations.
India reaffirmed its support for Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and strongly denounced Pakistan’s activities.
Frequent militant assaults inside Pakistan, which Islamabad attributes to Afghan bases, have been causing tensions to rise.
The situation remains extremely volatile without diplomatic de-escalation, with both sides threatening further responses.
