Pakistan carries out strikes in Afghanistan, ‘killing and wounding dozens’
Al Jazeera
February 22, 2026
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Pakistan's military carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan's Nangarhar and Paktika provinces on February 12, targeting "camps and hideouts" of armed groups linked to recent attacks in Pakistan, including a deadly suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad. The Afghan Ministry of Defence condemned the strikes, which hit a religious school and residential homes, resulting in the deaths and injuries of dozens of people, including women and children.
The airstrikes were part of Pakistan's response to a surge in violence, including attacks on its northwest regions and the October 2023 border clashes that killed scores. The military claimed the operations were intelligence-driven and targeted specific groups like the Taliban-affiliated Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and an affiliate of the Islamic State group. Pakistan accused these groups of planning attacks from Afghan territory, a charge the Taliban government in Afghanistan has failed to address despite previous calls for action.
The strikes come amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as both nations struggle to maintain stability along their shared border. The operations have raised fears of escalating conflict, potentially undermining a fragile ceasefire agreed upon last year. Meanwhile, international pressure is growing on the Taliban to honor its commitments under the 2020 Doha Agreement, which aims to prevent Afghan soil from being used for attacks on other countries.
The situation highlights Pakistan's increasingly assertive approach to counterterrorism, prioritizing domestic security over regional diplomacy. However, experts warn that further escalation could destabilize the region and hinder efforts to achieve lasting peace in South Asia.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/22/2026