BREAKING: Pakistan Launches Pre-Dawn Airstrikes in Afghanistan — Taliban Vows “Strong Revenge” After Deadly Strikes.

On 22 February 2026, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) carried out a series of airstrikes inside eastern and southeastern Afghanistan, marking one of the most serious cross-border military escalations between Islamabad and Kabul in recent years. The strikes targeted militant hideouts that Pakistan claims were responsible for a recent surge in deadly terrorist attacks inside its borders. This operation has dramatically heightened tensions between the neighbouring countries and drawn strong reactions from Afghan authorities and international observers.

---

🗓️ Date & Timing

• 📅 Date: Sunday, 22 February 2026

• ⏰ Time: Early morning hours (before dawn), with explosions reported around 5:00 AM to 7:30 AM local time in both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

---

Why Pakistan Struck

According to official statements from Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the air campaign was a direct response to a spate of militant attacks within Pakistan, including a deadly mosque suicide bombing in Islamabad and assaults on security forces in Bajaur and Bannu districts. Pakistan accused militants of operating from Afghan soil under the protection of Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government — a charge Kabul denies.

Triggering Incidents

• Islamabad mosque bombing: A significant suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque killed dozens and wounded many more earlier in February.

• Bajaur attack: Militants attacked a security post in Bajaur district on 16 February 2026, killing 11 soldiers and one civilian child.

• Bannu attack: A separate attack in Bannu killed two Pakistani soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel.

Pakistan said its air operations were “intelligence-based and selective,” focusing on seven training camps and hideouts it attributed to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and an affiliate of the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP).

---

Where the Strikes Hit

According to multiple local and international reports, the air operations hit several locations across the border regions of Afghanistan, including:

Paktika Province – Multiple strikes, including on a religious seminary (madrasa) in Bermal (also spelled Barmal) district.
Nangarhar Province – Strikes in Khogyani, Bahsod, and Ghani Khel districts.
Argun region – Reported strike zone in Paktika province.

Pakistan claimed all targets were militant facilities, saying it had “conclusive evidence” these groups plotted attacks from Afghan territory.

---

Casualties & Damage

• Civilian deaths: Afghan government sources and local media report dozens of civilians killed or wounded, including women and children. Some local outlets put the death toll around 17–23 civilians with more injured.

• Hit religious sites: The strike on a madrasa and nearby residential areas has been especially condemned as disproportionate and harmful to civilians.

• Militants: Pakistan claims strikes hit seven camps belonging to TTP and an ISKP affiliate but has not released independent verification of militant casualties.

---

🇦🇫 Afghan Government Response

The Taliban-led Afghan administration sharply condemned the strikes as a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty, labeling them “aggression” against civilians and Afghan territory. Kabul warned that it would give Pakistan a “timely and strong response” and reserves the right to defend its sovereignty.

The Afghan defence ministry also claimed that women and children were among those killed, intensifying anger over the operations.

---

🇵🇰 Pakistan’s Justification

Pakistan officials framed the airstrikes as necessary self-defence against terrorism, asserting that extremist groups had exploited Afghan soil for cross-border attacks. Islamabad insisted its actions were carefully targeted and aimed at restoring security for Pakistani citizens by dismantling militant infrastructure.

---

International Reactions

While global responses vary, rights and diplomatic observers have expressed concern over the human toll and sovereignty issues. Some neighbouring and regional governments have reiterated calls for de-escalation and respect for territorial integrity, though official international condemnation with detailed sanctions has not (as of now) been announced. (This section is based on typical diplomatic reactions to such escalations — individual statements would need citation.)

---

---

Conclusion

The 22 February 2026 airstrikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan represent a significant flare-up in already strained ties between the two neighbours. While Islamabad frames the operation as self-defence against terror threats, the high civilian toll and cross-border nature have provoked international concern and fierce condemnation from Kabul. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further military and diplomatic fallout unless de-escalation and clearer communication channels are established.