23.02.2026 09:53
A Pakistani airstrike on neighboring Afghanistan has resulted in the deaths of dozens, while the story of an Afghan man who lost 18 family members, including women and children, has broken hearts. Just 48 hours ago, his home was full of life; children were laughing, his wife was cooking, and they were making plans for the future. Now, he does not cry, but for the man who has lost his family, the pain of that loss is unbearable.
On February 22, 2026, a series of airstrikes conducted by the Pakistan Air Force in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces in eastern Afghanistan led to the deaths of dozens of people, according to local sources; among the dead are women and children.
HEARTBROKEN, HIS PAIN IS UNBEARABLE
As Pakistan's airstrikes devastate Afghanistan, the story of an Afghan man breaks hearts. He lost 18 members of his family in one night. Just 48 hours earlier, his home was full of life; children were laughing, his wife was cooking, and future plans were being made. Now, he does not cry but his heart is broken, telling those around him, "Every sound of an airplane reminds me of that day." For the man who confides in those around him, the pain of losing his family is unbearable.
THERE IS TENSION BEHIND THE ATTACKS
The Pakistani government defends the airstrikes as "intelligence-based targeting" against militants linked to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISKP) coming from across the border. The Kabul administration, however, condemned the attacks as a violation of Afghanistan's sovereignty and targeting civilians.
TENSION IS RISING
This development has further increased the already ongoing tension along the border. As the attacks occurred during a sensitive period like Ramadan, India also reacted strongly to the deaths of civilians in Pakistan and emphasized that Afghanistan's sovereignty must be protected.
While some segments of the international community express their concerns about civilian casualties and humanitarian impacts, warnings are being made that the situation along the border could escalate into a broader conflict. The Afghan administration stated that the attacks would not go unanswered.