Taliban Summons Pakistan’s Envoy Over Afghanistan Airstrikes, Calls Bombing Of Civilian Areas A ‘Provocative Act’

Afghanistan’s Taliban-led Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday, February 22, that it had summoned the Pakistani ambassador to Kabul following overnight airstrikes carried out by Pakistan in eastern Afghanistan. The ministry condemned the strikes as a violation of Afghan airspace, stating they targeted civilian areas in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces.

The Taliban characterised the airstrikes as a “provocative act” and a direct breach of Afghanistan’s territorial integrity, warning that Pakistan would be held responsible for all resulting consequences. The ministry further stated that defending Afghanistan’s sovereignty was a religious duty and accused Pakistan’s military of deliberately targeting civilians.

Taliban officials reported that at least 20 people were killed in the Behsud district of Nangarhar province. Pakistan’s officials, however, maintained that the strikes were directed at militant hideouts belonging to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Khorasan faction of Daesh.

Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid also condemned the attacks, saying they struck a religious school and several residential homes, resulting in multiple casualties that included women and children.

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The airstrikes come against the backdrop of sharply rising tensions between Kabul and Islamabad. Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan-based militants of orchestrating attacks on Pakistani territory allegations the Taliban denies.

Pakistan’s military spokesperson defended the operation, describing it as “intelligence-based” and asserting that it targeted key TTP camps and an Islamic State affiliate operating along the border region.

Afghanistan’s Ministry of National Defence issued a stern warning in response, stating: “We hold the Pakistani military responsible for targeting civilians and religious sites. We will respond to these attacks in due course with a measured and appropriate response.” The ministry further condemned the strikes as “a breach of international law and the principles of good neighbourliness” and vowed to reply at a time of its choosing.