Afghan Taliban has warned of retaliation after Pakistan carried out midnight airstrikes targeting suspected hideouts of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in eastern Afghanistan. Kabul accused Islamabad of violating its sovereignty and breaching the ceasefire agreement.
Border Tensions Escalate After Midnight Air Raids Along Durand Line
Kabul: Regional tensions have escalated following Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan. The strikes, carried out at seven different locations around midnight, have evoked a sharp reaction in Afghanistan. According to initial information, the first attack targeted a madrasa in Barmal city in Paktika province, where several religious books were reportedly burned. Afghan officials are assessing the damage.
Sources close to the Afghan Taliban have accused Pakistan of violating Afghan sovereignty and airspace. They say the attack is against the ceasefire agreement. The sources clearly stated that the Taliban has every right to retaliate and will retaliate at the appropriate time. Following this incident, emergency meetings of top leaders have been called in Kabul and Kandahar.
Pakistan launches airstrikes in Afghanistan; Claims 7 TTP bases targeted
According to Pakistani security sources, the strikes targeted terrorist infrastructure. It is reported that camps were destroyed in precision strikes in Paktika, Paktia, Nangarhar, and Khost provinces. The strikes targeted suspected hideouts of the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Sources claim that at least 28 TTP fighters were killed.
The chief spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid, said that “certain Pakistani military circles” have once again violated Afghan territory.
He added that on Saturday night, the Pakistani military carried out airstrikes on civilians in Nangarhar… pic.twitter.com/ka3CQHZ0xg— Pajhwok Afghan News (@pajhwok) February 22, 2026
The strikes, carried out early Sunday morning, targeted several hideouts along the Durand Line. Fighter jets bombed eastern and southeastern Afghanistan. Pakistan maintains that the action was necessary following recent terrorist attacks and was based solely on intelligence.
Taliban sources stated that mediator countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey are also being briefed on the situation, accusing Pakistan of ceasefire violations. They say existing agreements must be respected and that cross-border attacks could threaten regional peace.
Imran Khan’s sisters barred from meeting him in jail; Tensions escalate as Afghanistan speaks out
This development has further exacerbated already existing tensions between the two countries. Experts believe that if the situation is not handled diplomatically, border clashes could escalate. At present, everyone's eyes are fixed on the next action of both the parties.
