Afghanistan

Pakistan Strikes Afghan Border Camps; 18 Civilians Dead

Are Pakistan's strikes a violation of sovereignty or justified retaliation against terrorism?

Published FEB 22

Pakistan Strikes Afghan Border Camps; 18 Civilians Dead

Story

Above: Afghan men search for victims after an overnight Pakistani air strike hit residential areas on Feb. 22, 2026. Image credit: Aimal Zahir/AFP/Getty Images

The Facts

Pakistan conducted airstrikes on seven camps along the Afghanistan border on Sunday, targeting hideouts it said belonged to the Pakistani Taliban and Islamic State affiliates. The strikes followed recent suicide bombings in Islamabad, Bajaur and Bannu during Ramadan.
GEO
NDTV
Hours before the strikes, two Pakistani soldiers, including a lieutenant colonel, were killed when a suicide bomber targeted a security convoy in Bannu district. Pakistan's military stated the attack was carried out by militants operating from Afghan territory.
CNN
DAWN
Firstpost
Afghanistan's defense ministry condemned the strikes as a violation of national sovereignty, stating they hit civilian areas in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. The Afghan Red Crescent Society reported 18 people were killed, including women and children.
Al Jazeera
Fox 59
Pakistan's Information Ministry said it had conclusive evidence that recent attacks were directed by handlers based in Afghanistan. The ministry alleged that despite repeated requests, the Taliban government failed to take substantive action against groups using Afghan soil.
Amu TV
The Express Tribune
BBC News
A suicide bombing at a mosque in Islamabad on Feb. 6 killed at least 31 worshippers and wounded 170 others. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, which was the second such incident in the capital in three months.
Al Jazeera
Fox 59
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been strained since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. A ceasefire mediated by Qatar in October 2025 followed deadly border clashes that killed over 200 Taliban fighters and 23 Pakistani soldiers.
GEO
DAWN
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Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Pakistan's airstrikes constitute a blatant violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty and international law. The attacks deliberately targeted civilian areas, including a religious madrasa and residential homes, killing dozens of innocent women and children. These strikes expose Pakistan's intelligence failures and internal weaknesses while trampling on Islamic values and neighborly principles.

Ariana News

Wakhan Times on X

Narrative B

Pakistan's decisive air force strikes against terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan represent justified retaliation for innocent lives lost to terrorism. These operations answer the sacrifices of martyrs and defend the nation's children who deserve security. Pakistan seeks peace but will never compromise on its land, people or dignity, and those who threaten the nation will face complete destruction.

Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on X