- By Ajeet Kumar
- Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:16 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Pakistan airstrikes killed 17 civilians, including children, in Afghanistan.
- Afghanistan condemned strikes, summoned envoy, warned of consequences.
- Villagers held mass funerals for victims, denying militant claims.
In one of the most insane acts, Pakistan’s military carried out military airstrikes on Afghanistan, killing at least 17 members of the same family in the border region. Although the Pakistani Army claims “70 militants” were killed in the airstrike, local media exposed how rutheless military killed innocent civilians, which included kids.
The Pakistani military claimed they had targeted hideouts of Pakistani militants it blamed for recent attacks inside the country. Kabul rejected the claim. Although Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir did not say a single word publicly on the attack, it was obvious he must have orchestrated the attack.
Nezakat Khan, a family member of the victims, told Tolo News: “It was around midnight when we heard the sound of an explosion and saw smoke rising. It was completely dark, and nothing could be seen inside the room. My aunt was our guest, and the rubble had fallen on her. When I lifted her, my son called out that he was injured. When I went toward him, a wall had collapsed on him as well. He said, ‘Father, don’t touch me, my whole body has been torn apart.’ I don’t know what happened after that, because they took everyone from me.”
Local media reported that the villagers have now arranged a mass funeral for the family members killed in Pakistan’s inhumane attack.
VIDEO | Pakistan's military killed at least 70 militants in strikes along the border with Afghanistan early Sunday, targeting what it described as hideouts of Pakistani militants it blamed for recent attacks inside the country, the deputy interior minister said. Kabul rejected… pic.twitter.com/MZgAISzghL
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 23, 2026
Pakistan presents no evidence for insane attack
Talal Chaudhry, Pakistan’s deputy interior minister, offered no evidence for his claim in an interview with Geo News that at least 70 militants were killed in the strikes. Pakistan’s state-run media later reported that militant fatalities jumped to 80.
The Afghan Defence Ministry said in a statement that “various civilian areas” in the provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika in eastern Afghanistan were hit, including a religious madrassa and multiple homes. The statement called the strikes a violation of Afghanistan’s airspace and sovereignty.
Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said on X that the attacks “killed and wounded dozens, including women and children.” He said Pakistan’s claim of killing 70 militants was “inaccurate.”
Pakistan will face consequences: Taliban
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Pakistan’s ambassador to Kabul to protest the Pakistani strikes. In a statement, the ministry said protecting Afghanistan’s territory is the Islamic Emirate’s “Sharia responsibility” and warned that Pakistan would be responsible for the consequences of such attacks.
On Sunday, villagers cleared rubble in Nangarhar following airstrikes, while mourners prepared for the funerals of those killed. Habib Ullah, a local tribal elder, said those killed in the strikes were not militants. “They were poor people who suffered greatly. Those killed were neither the Taliban, nor military personnel, nor members of the former government. They lived simple village lives,” he told The Associated Press.
India condemns Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghan territory
India on Sunday strongly condemned Pakistan's fresh airstrikes on Afghan territory that resulted in civilian casualties. New Delhi described the strikes as another attempt by Pakistan to "externalise its internal failures", and reiterated its support for Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"India strongly condemns Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghan territory that have resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
"It is another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures. India reiterates its support for Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence," he said.
(With inputs from agency)