Kabul Attacks: Dozens Killed & Injured, Including Women & Children

Pakistan’s military conducted cross-border strikes within Afghanistan on Sunday, February 22, 2026, targeting what it claims were militant camps. The strikes have triggered a sharp condemnation from the Taliban-led Afghan government, which alleges that dozens of civilians, including women and children, were killed or wounded in the attacks.

The Pakistani military stated the operations were “intelligence-based, selective” and aimed at seven camps linked to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, and their affiliates. Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar added that a group affiliated with the Islamic State was also targeted, referencing the recent suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad earlier this month that resulted in 31 deaths and over 160 injuries. Tarar asserted that Pakistan possesses “conclusive evidence” linking recent attacks to militants operating from Afghan soil and acting under the direction of Afghanistan-based leadership.

Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, in a post on X, strongly refuted the Pakistani claims, stating that the strikes “bombed our civilian compatriots in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, martyring and wounding dozens of people, including women and children.” The Afghan government’s statement marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two neighboring countries, which have been strained since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021.

The strikes represent a notable shift in Pakistan’s approach to dealing with the TTP, which has been responsible for a surge in attacks within Pakistan in recent months. While Pakistan has previously called on the Taliban government to crack down on the TTP, this is one of the most direct and forceful responses to date. The decision to launch cross-border strikes signals a growing frustration within Pakistan over the perceived lack of action by the Taliban to address the threat posed by the TTP.

The volatile border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan has long been a haven for militant groups. The porous border and complex tribal dynamics make it difficult to effectively control the movement of fighters and weapons. Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban of providing sanctuary to the TTP, a charge the Taliban government consistently denies.

The recent escalation comes amidst a broader context of regional instability. The rise of the Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan adds another layer of complexity to the security situation. Pakistan’s targeting of a group linked to the Islamic State suggests a concern that the group is gaining a foothold in the region and could pose a threat to Pakistan’s security.

The international community has largely remained silent on the issue, but the strikes are likely to raise concerns about the potential for further escalation and the humanitarian impact on civilians. The allegations of civilian casualties will likely prompt calls for an independent investigation. The situation also underscores the challenges facing the Taliban government in maintaining security and preventing Afghanistan from becoming a base for terrorist groups.

The strikes occurred after a period of increasing tensions, including a series of cross-border skirmishes and accusations of interference in each other’s internal affairs. Pakistan has previously closed border crossings in response to attacks originating from Afghanistan. The current escalation raises the prospect of a further deterioration in relations between the two countries, with potentially serious consequences for regional stability.

The Pakistani government maintains that the strikes were a necessary measure to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks. However, the Afghan government views the strikes as a violation of its sovereignty and a breach of trust. The differing narratives highlight the deep-seated mistrust and animosity that characterize the relationship between the two countries.

The long-term implications of the strikes remain to be seen. We see unclear whether the strikes will be effective in dismantling the TTP or whether they will simply lead to a cycle of retaliation and further escalation. The situation will require careful diplomacy and a concerted effort to address the underlying causes of instability in the region.