Pakistani midnight airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan and separate anti-terror operations leave 22 Pashtuns dead within a single day
At least 22 Pashtuns lost their lives within 24 hours during anti-terror operations in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The deaths followed midnight air and drone strikes carried out by Pakistani forces in eastern Afghanistan. The incident has sharply increased tensions between the two neighboring countries.
Midnight Airstrikes Begin
Pakistani forces launched airstrikes late on the night of February 21–22. The strikes targeted areas near the Afghanistan–Pakistan border. Reports say the attacks hit Behsud, Khogyani, and Ghani Khil districts in Nangarhar province. Strikes were also reported in Barmal and Urgun districts of Paktika province.
The action marked a major escalation in cross-border military activity and immediately sparked diplomatic tensions.
Homes and Villages Hit
Afghan Taliban officials and local residents said the strikes hit residential houses, religious schools, and other civilian buildings. They claimed the attacks did not only target militant hideouts but also ordinary homes.
In Behsud district, one airstrike hit a house owned by a man named Shahabuddin. The explosion destroyed the building and trapped many people under the rubble.
Children Among Dead
Taliban officials reported that at least 17 civilians were killed in the Behsud strike, including 11 children. Local sources said around 23 people were buried under debris as rescuers worked to pull out survivors and bodies.
The Afghan Red Crescent and local authorities said that at least 18 civilians were killed across Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. Many others were injured, including women and children.
When these deaths were combined with casualties from separate anti-terror operations and militant attacks inside Pakistan on the same day, the total number of Pashtuns killed reached 22 within 24 hours.
Pakistan Explains Operation
Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting confirmed that its military carried out what it called “intelligence-based, selective operations” inside eastern Afghanistan. Officials said the strikes targeted hideouts of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP).
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Pakistan said it launched the strikes in response to a recent rise in militant attacks inside its territory. Officials mentioned a deadly suicide attack at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad that ISKP claimed responsibility for. They also pointed to attacks on security forces in northwest tribal areas, including Bajaur and Bannu districts.
Pakistani authorities said militants have been using Afghan soil to plan and launch attacks against Pakistan. They accused Afghan authorities of failing to stop these groups from operating along the border.
India Reacts Strongly
India also reacted strongly to the developments. Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, shared India’s response on X (formerly Twitter) on February 22, 2026.
In his statement, he said India strongly condemns Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghan territory that have resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan.
He added that this was another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures.
India reiterated its support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.
Kabul Strongly Reacts
The Afghan Taliban government strongly condemned the airstrikes. Officials called the attacks a violation of Afghanistan’s sovereignty and international law. The Afghan government summoned Pakistan’s ambassador in Kabul and lodged a formal protest.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid accused Pakistan of killing innocent civilians, including women and children. He said those who died had no links to militant groups. Local residents supported this claim and described the victims as ordinary villagers.
Afghan defense officials warned that Afghanistan would respond “at an appropriate time,” but they did not explain what action they might take.
Long Border History
Tensions along the 2,600-kilometer Afghanistan–Pakistan border have existed for decades. Militant groups have often crossed the porous frontier to carry out attacks and then returned to safe areas.
Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has repeatedly accused Kabul of allowing TTP fighters to regroup inside Afghan territory. Afghan authorities have denied these accusations. Despite talks and temporary ceasefires, violence along the border has continued.
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Rising Attacks Inside Pakistan
Pakistan has faced an increase in militant attacks in recent months. In Bajaur district, militants killed 11 security personnel and a child. In another suicide bombing in Bannu, attackers killed two Pakistani soldiers.
These attacks increased pressure on Pakistan’s government and military to take stronger action against militant groups, even if it meant carrying out operations across the border.
Pashtuns Affected Most
Most of the victims in both Afghanistan and Pakistan during this 24-hour period were from Pashtun communities. Pashtuns are the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan and also live in large numbers in Pakistan’s northwest.
Human rights observers and regional analysts have often said that Pashtun civilians suffer heavily during anti-terror operations and militant violence. Civil society groups have raised concerns about civilian safety and accountability during military actions in border regions.
The recent deaths have once again raised questions about how civilians can be protected during counter-terror operations.
Tensions Remain High
The situation remains tense between Islamabad and Kabul. Pakistan continues to defend its right to strike militant threats wherever they exist. Afghanistan continues to insist that Pakistan has violated its sovereignty.
Diplomatic relations are strained, and there is no clear sign of immediate calm. International humanitarian organizations have urged both countries to show restraint and protect civilians.
As tensions rise, Pashtun communities living along the border remain caught between state military operations and militant violence. The events of these 24 hours highlight the fragile security situation in the region and show the urgent need for dialogue and cooperation to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
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