Pakistan targets militants in Afghanistan, testing Doha truce
South China Morning Post
by Associated PressFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Pakistan conducted military strikes along its border with Afghanistan on Sunday, targeting suspected militant hideouts. The operation, which Islamabad claims was intelligence-based and selective, aimed at Pakistani Taliban groups and an Islamic State affiliate. However, the Afghan Red Crescent Society reported that 18 people were killed and several others injured in the attacks, which affected civilian areas including a religious madrasa and residential homes in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. The Afghan government condemned the strikes as violations of its airspace and sovereignty, highlighting the growing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The strikes come amid a fragile peace process facilitated by Qatar, with the Taliban controlling most of Afghanistan since 2021. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar emphasized that the country prioritizes regional stability but remains committed to protecting its citizens from cross-border threats. The move has drawn criticism from Afghan officials, who argue that such actions undermine efforts to maintain peace and could escalate conflict in the region.
This incident underscores the complex security dynamics in South Asia. Pakistan views these groups as a direct threat due to their role in recent attacks within its territory, while Afghanistan sees the strikes as a violation of its sovereignty. The broader implications include potential strain on diplomatic relations and challenges to the Doha-mediated peace process. For global readers, this highlights the ongoing instability in the region and its impact on international security concerns.
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/22/2026