Pakistan says militant hideouts struck along Afghan border
Deutsche Welle
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Pakistan has conducted airstrikes targeting seven militant camps along its border with Afghanistan, specifically those belonging to the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and its affiliates. These strikes were carried out in response to a surge in deadly suicide bombings across Pakistan, including a recent attack on a Shiite mosque in Islamabad that killed at least 31 people and injured over 160. The government emphasized that these operations were intelligence-based and aimed at neutralizing threats posed by TTP militants.
The article highlights the growing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of allowing TTP to operate from Afghan soil. Pakistan has seen a rise in militant activity, particularly in its northwest regions, which border Afghanistan. The TTP, while distinct from the Afghan Taliban, maintains close ties and shares similar ideologies. Pakistan's military警告 that it will not hold back in its operations against these groups,无论 their location.
The situation underscores broader regional instability, with both countries struggling to address cross-border terrorism and mutual accusations of harboring militants. The recent attacks have heightened security concerns for Pakistan, particularly following the deadliest bombing in Islamabad since 2008. This development has significant implications for global security, as it reflects ongoing challenges in countering terrorism in South Asia.
Afghanistan's Taliban authorities have condemned the strikes, claiming they targeted civilians and caused casualties, including women and children. This response adds to the already strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Islamabad insisting that TTP operates freely from Afghan territory. The article also notes historical tensions, including clashes last year between Pakistani forces and the Afghan Taliban, which resulted in significant losses on both sides.
In summary, Pakistan's military action against TTP camps along the Afghan border is part of a broader effort to combat increasing militant activity and protect its citizens from devastating attacks. However, this move has deepened existing tensions with Afghanistan, raising questions about regional security cooperation and the effectiveness of counterterrorism strategies in the region.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/22/2026