Islamabad, Feb 23, 2026 — Pakistan has claimed that at least 70 armed militants were killed in airstrikes carried out near the Afghanistan border, escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries. However, the Taliban-led government in Kabul has rejected the claim, alleging that civilians and residential areas were targeted in the attacks.
According to Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, the military operation struck multiple militant hideouts, resulting in significant casualties. Speaking to Geo News on Sunday evening, he said at least 70 insurgents were killed, although no evidence was presented to substantiate the claim. State media reports suggested the death toll could be as high as 80, but the government has not officially confirmed that figure.
Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, said in a post on social media platform X that the strikes targeted seven camps belonging to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and affiliated groups. He stated that the operation was based on intelligence reports and was conducted in response to a recent wave of deadly attacks inside Pakistan, including a suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad.
President Asif Ali Zardari defended the action late Sunday, saying Pakistan had repeatedly urged Kabul to prevent its territory from being used for cross-border attacks. He said the strikes were carried out in defense of Pakistan’s citizens against terrorism.
The Taliban government in Afghanistan has consistently denied allowing its territory to be used for attacks against Pakistan. In a statement, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense said the airstrikes hit civilian areas in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, including a religious madrasa and several homes. It described the incident as a violation of Afghan airspace and national sovereignty.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid called Pakistan’s claim of killing 70 militants “false” and accused Islamabad of committing a criminal act by targeting civilians and destroying homes.
In response to the strikes, Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry summoned Pakistan’s ambassador in Kabul to lodge a formal protest. The ministry warned that Pakistan would bear responsibility for the consequences of such actions, reaffirming its commitment to defending Afghan territory.
The latest confrontation underscores the fragile security situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and raises concerns about further escalation between the two countries.
