Pakistan launches deadly strikes on Afghanistan
BBC World
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Pakistan conducted multiple overnight airstrikes on Afghanistan, targeting seven alleged militant camps near the border. These strikes were a retaliatory response to recent suicide bombings in Pakistan, including an attack on a Shia mosque in Islamabad and others since Ramadan began. The Taliban condemned the attacks as violations of territorial integrity and international law, while Pakistan accused the Afghan Taliban of failing to act against the militants responsible.
The airstrikes killed at least 18 people, including women and children, according to the Taliban's defense ministry. In Nangarhar province, a family lost 18 members in one village, with only five survivors. Other areas saw destroyed homes, a guesthouse, and a religious school targeted but found empty. Pakistan’s Ministry of Information claimed the strikes were "intelligence-based" and aimed at specific groups like Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.
The attacks come after Saudi Arabia mediated the release of three Pakistani soldiers captured during border clashes in October. Despite an agreed ceasefire, tensions remain high as both sides accuse each other of failing to control militants. The situation highlights ongoing security challenges and diplomatic complexities between the two nations.
This incident underscores the fragile peace process between Pakistan and Afghanistan and raises concerns about regional stability. The strikes not only deepen bilateral tensions but also draw attention to the broader implications for international security, particularly regarding militant groups operating across borders.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/22/2026