Pakistan said it carried out intelligence-based, precision strikes on seven militant camps and hideouts along the border with Afghanistan, targeting elements of Fitna al Khawarij (FAK), its affiliates, and Daesh-Khorasan. The action, announced early Sunday by the Ministry of Information, was described as retaliation for recent suicide bombings in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu during Ramadan.
Very important! Pakistan has executed decisive, intelligence-driven precision airstrikes at three distinct locations in Paktika, Khost, and Nangarhar. This operation was strictly mission-specific and target-specific, focused entirely on neutralizing FAK terrorists responsible for…
— Wajahat Kazmi (@KazmiWajahat) February 22, 2026
Officials stated the attacks were orchestrated by handlers based in Afghanistan, with responsibility also claimed by Afghanistan-based Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan linked to FAK and Daesh. Islamabad said it had repeatedly urged Afghan authorities to stop militants from using Afghan territory, but no meaningful action had followed.
Read more: Trump Calls Pakistan Army Chief a “Tough Fighter,” Praises PM’s Leadership
Pakistan reiterated that while it seeks regional stability, protecting its citizens remains paramount and called on the international community to press Kabul to honour commitments under the Doha Agreement.
Security sources reported that airstrikes hit militant infrastructure in Paktika province’s Barmal area, followed by further strikes in Nangarhar province, including Khogyani, Ghani Khel, and Behsud. Casualty figures were not confirmed by Afghan media.
🚨 At least 200 TTP and ISIS terrorists killed in Pakistan’s overnight airstrikes across Afghanistan.
— South Asia Index (@SouthAsiaIndex) February 22, 2026
Separately, Pakistani security forces killed five militants in an intelligence-based operation in Bannu district, according to the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations. During the operation, a suicide bomber’s vehicle was intercepted before it could reach civilians or law enforcement targets. In the ensuing clash, militants rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a military convoy, killing Lt Col Shahzada Gul Faraz and Sepoy Karamat Shah.
Pakistan accused the Afghan Taliban authorities of again failing to prevent cross-border militant activity and warned operations would continue against those responsible, regardless of location. Federal Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the airstrikes delivered a clear message that Pakistan would respond forcefully to threats and honour the sacrifices of its fallen.
Read more: Pakistan compensates families of victims in mosque suicide attack
The strikes come amid ongoing tensions between Islamabad and Kabul. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif recently warned that Pakistan would conduct further strikes if Afghan authorities could not guarantee peace.
Since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan says cross-border militant activity has risen sharply, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Officials reported that counterterrorism operations in 2025 eliminated 2,597 militants nationwide, with most incidents concentrated in those border regions.
