Pakistan strikes militant hideouts on Afghan border after surge in attacks
The Guardian World
by Associated PressFebruary 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Pakistan conducted targeted strikes along its border with Afghanistan on Saturday night, focusing on militant hideouts believed to be linked to the Pakistani Taliban. These operations were described as "intelligence-based" and "selective," aimed at addressing a surge in recent attacks attributed to these groups within Pakistan. While Islamabad did not disclose specific details about the locations or extent of the strikes, reports on social media suggested that they may have occurred inside Afghan territory. The information ministry emphasized that these actions were a response to increasing security threats and demonstrated the government's commitment to neutralizing militant activity.
The lack of immediate comment from Kabul has raised questions about the potential implications for cross-border relations. Pakistan often faces criticism for its military operations near the Afghan border, which can sometimes escalate tensions with neighboring countries. The Taliban, who now control Afghanistan, have previously expressed concerns over such incursions, though they have not yet commented on these latest strikes.
This development highlights the ongoing challenges of counterterrorism in the region and underscores the complex dynamics between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and international actors. For readers interested in global security, this situation sheds light on the fragile stability of South Asia and the potential for renewed conflict in an area already marked by decades of violence. The operations also raise important questions about how Pakistan balances its domestic security needs with maintaining diplomatic relations.
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/21/2026