Pakistan Claims to Have Killed Over 70 in Afghanistan Strikes

Did Pakistan strike terrorist centers or did it bomb innocent Afghan civilians?

Published 3 hours ago

Pakistan Claims to Have Killed Over 70 in Afghanistan Strikes

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Above: Afghan residents dig mass graves for the victims at the Girdi Kas village, Nangarhar province, on Feb. 22, 2026. Image credit: AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

Pakistan's intelligence-based airstrikes destroyed seven terrorist centers in Afghanistan, killing militants who orchestrated recent suicide bombings that murdered innocent Pakistanis during Ramadan. Despite repeated pleas for the Afghan Taliban to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries on their soil, they've failed to act, forcing Pakistan to defend its citizens. These strikes were a necessary and proportionate response to an ongoing terror wave that has claimed countless Pakistani lives since 2021.

DAWN

Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on X

Narrative B

Pakistani military forces bombed civilian areas in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, killing and wounding dozens of innocent people, including women and children. Pakistani generals have been lashing out after their own country's security failures by committing crimes against Afghan civilians. Unlike Pakistan's indiscriminate attacks on civilians, any response will target Pakistani military personnel.

Ariana News on X

Zabihullah Mujahid on X