Pakistan Claims 70 Militants Killed In Retaliatory Cross-Border Strikes In Afghanistan

Last Updated:February 22, 2026, 20:55 IST

The strikes have worsened relations with Kabul. Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry called the attacks a “clear violation” of its sovereignty.

Pakistan on Sunday said it had killed 70 terrorists in military strikes targeting at least seven militant hideouts in Afghanistan. The strikes were carried out in retaliation for recent rebel attacks in the country.

“Afghanistan has long been exporting terrorism. Pakistan is taking all actions to secure the life and property of its citizens," said Pakistan State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Geo News.

The country’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting confirmed the strikes, which came after a series of attacks, including suicide bombings in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu.

In the latest incident, an army lieutenant colonel and a soldier were killed in a suicide attack in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Saturday.

According to the ministry, these attacks were allegedly carried out by Khwarij groups under the direction of Afghanistan-based leadership, including the Afghan Taliban-linked Fitna-al-Khwarij (FAK) and Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP).

Pakistan said it has repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban to take action to prevent militants from using Afghan territory to attack Pakistan, but no substantial steps were taken.

“In this backdrop, Pakistan, in a retributive response, has carried out intelligence-based selective targeting of seven terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Pakistani Taliban of FAK and its affiliates and ISKP at the border region of Pakistan-Afghan border with precision and accuracy," the ministry added.

Chaudhry noted that most of the 70 terrorists killed were Pakistani nationals.

The strikes have worsened relations with Kabul. Afghanistan’s Defence Ministry called the attacks a “clear violation" of its sovereignty and warned that a “necessary and measured response" would be delivered. The Afghan government summoned Pakistan’s ambassador to protest the strikes.

Pakistan has urged the Afghan interim government to fulfil its obligations under the 2020 Doha accords and expects the international community to encourage the Taliban to prevent their territory from being used for terrorism.

The ministry emphasised that while Pakistan seeks regional peace, the safety and security of its citizens remain its top priority.

Tensions between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have been high since last October, when clashes killed 23 Pakistani soldiers and over 200 Afghan Taliban fighters, according to the Pakistan army.

(With inputs from agencies)

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