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Pakistan Strikes Afghan Seminary, Escalates Cross-Border Tensions

Pakistan's Air Force conducted airstrikes targeting a religious seminary and multiple locations in Afghanistan's Paktika and Nangarhar provinces. The strikes, confirmed by Pakistani media, allegedly targeted seven camps and hideouts of militant groups like Fitna al Khwarij and Daesh Khorasan Province. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry stated the action was a precise response to recent suicide attacks in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu, which it claims were directed from Afghanistan. A spokesperson asserted Pakistan's right to protect its citizens and demanded Afghan authorities prevent their soil from being used for terrorism.

Key Points: Pakistan Airstrikes Target Afghan Seminary, Terror Camps

  • Airstrikes hit religious seminary in Paktika
  • Strikes target 7 camps of FAK & Daesh Khorasan
  • Action in response to recent suicide attacks in Pakistan
  • Pakistan accuses Afghan-based leadership of attacks
  • Islamabad reserves right to target Afghanistan
2 min read

Pakistan strikes religious seminary in Afghanistan's Paktika

Pakistan conducts airstrikes in Afghanistan's Paktika & Nangarhar, targeting alleged terror camps after suicide attacks in Islamabad & Bajaur.

"Pakistan very legitimately demands that Afghan territory should not be used for terrorism inside Pakistan. - Tahir Andrabi"

Kabul, February 22

Pakistani Air Force targeted a religious seminary in an attack on Bermal district in Afghanistan's Paktika province, Tolo News reporteted citing sources.

The Pakistani jets also conducted multiple airstrikes at the Khogyani district of Nangarhar province, Tolo News reported.

Pakistan has conducted multiple strikes in Bermal and Argun in Paktika, as well as in Khogyani, Bahsod, and Ghani Khel districts in Nangarhar, since Saturday, Tolo News reported.

Pakistani media sources also confirmed Islamabad's airstrikes; they reported that the strikes were focused on the alleged terrorist camps along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Geo News, citing Pakistan's Ministry of Information, reported that the strikes targeted seven camps and hideouts of Fitna al Khwarij (FAK), its affiliates and Daesh Khorasan Province (DKP), claiming the action was conducted "with precision and accuracy" in response to recent suicide attacks in Islamabad, Bajaur and Bannu during Ramzan.

The ministry alleged that the suicide bombings were carried out at the direction of Afghanistan-based leadership and handlers, adding that responsibility was claimed by elements linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Daesh, Geo News reported.

Despite Islamabad's claims that it repeatedly urged the Afghan Taliban to prevent the use of Afghan territory by terrorist groups, Pakistan itself has long faced international scrutiny for providing safe havens and logistical support to various terror outfits operating across the region.

In its statement, Pakistan said it expects the interim Afghan government to fulfil its obligations and prevent the use of its soil against Pakistan. It also called on the international community to press Afghan authorities to honour commitments under the Doha Agreement

Pakistan's Foreign Office on Thursday said Pakistan reserves the right to target Afghanistan to protect the lives of its citizens amid a spike in cross-border tensions following a deadly attack in Bajaur, as per Dawn.

"Pakistan very legitimately demands that Afghan territory should not be used for terrorism inside Pakistan. So, as long as this demand is not met, whilst exercising patience, all options would obviously remain on the table," Pakistan's Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said at the weekly media briefing, as quoted by Dawn.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
It's the same old story. Pakistan points fingers at Afghanistan for harboring terrorists, while the world points fingers at Pakistan for doing the same. The hypocrisy is astounding. When will our region learn that this "good terrorist vs bad terrorist" policy only brings suffering to ordinary people? 🤦‍♀️
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Arjun K
A religious seminary was targeted? This is extremely concerning. Even if there were militant elements present, such strikes on religious institutions radicalize more people than they eliminate. Pakistan's approach seems counterproductive. Stability in Afghanistan is crucial for the entire subcontinent's security.
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Sarah B
From an outside perspective, this looks like a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black. The report itself mentions Pakistan's own history with terror groups. This tit-for-tat violence across a porous border helps no one. The focus should be on dialogue and joint counter-terrorism efforts, not unilateral strikes.
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Vikram M
The timing during Ramzan makes this even more tragic. Whatever the geopolitical reasons, violence during a holy month is deeply saddening. The Afghan Taliban government needs to get its house in order and prevent its soil from being used against neighbors. Pakistan's frustration is understandable, but this path leads to more chaos.
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Karthik V
As an Indian, I watch this with a heavy heart. We've suffered immensely from cross-border terrorism emanating from the same region. While Pakistan now faces the blowback, the solution isn't more military action. It requires a complete, sincere change in policy by all state actors to stop nurturing non-state actors as strategic assets. Jahan jagah milegi, aag lag hi jaati hai.

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