Pakistan claims at least 70 fighters killed in strikes along Afghan border
Al Jazeera
February 23, 2026
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Pakistan’s military claims to have killed at least 70 fighters in air raids along the Afghan border, but Afghan officials deny these reports and accuse Pakistan of targeting civilians and violating sovereignty. The strikes were carried out early Sunday and targeted alleged camps and hideouts of armed groups linked to recent attacks, including a suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad. Pakistan’s deputy interior minister, Talal Chaudhry, made the claim without providing evidence, while state media reported an increased death toll of 80, though no official confirmation was given.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence stated that civilian areas in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces were hit, including a religious school and several homes. The Taliban government called the attacks a violation of Afghan airspace and sovereignty, with spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid describing them as a criminal act targeting civilians. Residents reported destruction of homes, casualties, and emotional accounts of loss, including one survivor shouting for help amid rubble.
The incident escalates tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, threatening a fragile ceasefire agreed upon after deadly border clashes in October 2023. Pakistan claims the strikes were intelligence-based and selective, aimed at preventing armed groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks on its soil. However, Afghanistan denies these allegations, with Foreign Ministry officials summoning Pakistan’s ambassador in Kabul to protest the attacks.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of cross-border terrorism and sovereignty disputes between the two nations. Both sides have exchanged accusations, with Pakistan emphasizing its right to defend against terrorism and
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/23/2026