Pakistan Bombs Paktika and Nangarhar Provinces; Dozens of Civilians Killed and Wounded

Pakistan’s military carried out overnight airstrikes on Saturday (February 21), targeting border areas of Afghanistan, including parts of Paktika Province and Nangarhar Province. According to Taliban officials, the attacks resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of civilians, including women and children.

Isteqamat Press – local sources reported that Pakistani fighter jets bombed the districts of Barmal and Urgun in Paktika, as well as Khogyani, Behsud, and Ghani Khil in Nangarhar. The targeted areas reportedly included residential homes and a religious madrassa.

The Taliban Ministry of Defense described the strikes as a “clear act of aggression against national sovereignty” and a violation of international law and principles of good neighborly relations, warning that it would deliver an “appropriate and measured” response at a suitable time.

Pakistan Airstrikes; Taliban Defense Ministry: We Will Respond “at an Appropriate Time”

Pakistan, however, characterized the operation as “targeted and intelligence-based” against seven hideouts of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliated groups, including those linked to Islamic State. Islamabad said the strikes were in response to recent terrorist attacks on its soil, including bombings in Bajaur and Islamabad.

The incident has further escalated border tensions between the two countries, which had already intensified following deadly clashes last year.