Overview
- Islamabad announced airstrikes on targets in Nangarhar and Paktika, saying the operations aimed at TTP and Islamic State hideouts.
- Pakistan framed the action as retaliation for recent attacks on its soil and claimed decisive evidence linking Afghan-based militants, citing the Feb. 6 Islamabad mosque bombing.
- The Taliban interim government reported dozens of civilian casualties, including women and children, and condemned what it called an airspace breach.
- Independent verification of casualty figures and target details remains pending, though Reuters published images from the strike area in Nangarhar.
- The exchanges of statements underscore heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan with the risk of further escalation along the border.