An AFP journalist in Nangarhar’s Bihsud district saw people using a bulldozer to search for victims under the rubble following the strikes. The two countries have been locked in an increasingly bitter dispute since the Taliban authorities retook control of Afghanistan in 2021. Pakistan said today that despite repeated urging by Islamabad, the Taleban authorities have failed to act against militant groups using Afghan territory to carry out attacks in Pakistan. It said the strikes were carried out in response to a suicide blast at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad two weeks ago and other more recent suicide bombings in northwest Pakistan, including one on Saturday (local time). Security issues are at the heart of the conflict, with Islamabad repeatedly accusing Kabul of harbouring militant groups, particularly the Pakistani Taleban, that launch attacks on its soil.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 22, 2026 15:46 UTC