'Women, children killed': India strongly condemns Pakistani strikes in Afghanistan during Ramadan
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
India has strongly condemned Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan during Ramadan, which resulted in significant civilian casualties, including women and children. The strikes targeted alleged terrorist hideouts near the border and were justified by Pakistan as retaliation for recent suicide bombings on its soil. However, Afghanistan denies using its territory for such attacks and reports that the airstrikes hit schools and residential areas, leading to numerous deaths and injuries.
Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated that their actions were based on conclusive evidence linking the attacks to Afghan-based militants. They highlighted the involvement of groups like Fitna-al-Khwarij (FAK) and the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP), accusing them of orchestrating the bombings in Pakistan, including a suicide attack at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad.
Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence confirmed that dozens of innocent civilians were killed or injured in eastern provinces during the airstrikes. Kabul has warned of a "necessary and measured response" to Pakistan's actions, while Pakistan's interior minister emphasized their commitment to securing national borders from cross-border terrorism.
This incident underscores the volatile security dynamics in South Asia, with both sides accusing each other of harboring terrorists. The situation raises concerns over potential escalation between the neighboring nations, particularly as it occurred during Ramadan, a month of religious significance and heightened sensitivity
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/22/2026