Why Did Pakistan Attack Afghanistan? The Full Story

Pakistan launched cross-border airstrikes into Afghanistan in February 2026, citing militant threats and recent suicide bombings tied to fighters it says operate from Afghan soil.

Key Facts

• Pakistan launched cross-border air attacks on February 21–22, 2026.
• Islamabad said it targeted “camps and hideouts” of Pakistani Taliban and IS-linked groups.
• Civilian casualties, including women and children, were reported in Afghan provinces.
• Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government vowed to respond “at an appropriate time.”

On February 21–22, 2026, Pakistan’s military carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan’s eastern provinces, targeting what Islamabad described as militant camps it blames for recent terror attacks inside Pakistan. The strikes, which hit areas including Paktika and Nangarhar, killed and wounded civilians and prompted Kabul to promise a response as tensions between the neighbouring states surged.

Main Development

Pakistan stated its airstrikes were “intelligence-based, selective operations” against seven militant camps along the Afghan border after a series of deadly attacks inside Pakistan, including suicide bombings that killed soldiers and civilians in Bajaur and Bannu districts. Islamabad accused fighters operating from Afghan territory of orchestrating those attacks and asserted that Afghan authorities had failed to curb militant safe havens.

Security and Militancy Context

In the weeks preceding the strikes, Pakistan endured multiple insurgent attacks. In mid-February, a suicide bombing in Bajaur killed Pakistani security personnel and a child, with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claiming responsibility. Another suicide attack in Bannu killed two soldiers. Pakistani officials characterized these assaults as part of a broader militant surge linked to groups they say operate from bases across the Afghan border.

Diplomatic and Regional Impact

The cross-border airstrikes mark a sharp escalation in Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions. Kabul condemned the strikes as violations of its sovereignty and announced intentions to respond. Border closures and diplomatic strains have heightened concerns about wider instability in the region.

source: aljazeera