Pakistan confirmed airstrikes on seven Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and ISIS-Khorasan (IS-K) hideouts in Afghanistan overnight into February 22, 2026, retaliating for recent suicide bombings including during Ramadan, according to Osinteurope on X between 12:45 AM and 3:15 AM UTC. The Taliban reported dozens killed and wounded, including civilians, with emerging border firing along the Durand Line. Afghanistan's Ministry of National Defense stated it considers border protection and citizen security a Sharia and national responsibility, warning of an appropriate and calculated response at the appropriate time, as posted by EnayatKhowarazm on X during the 2-hour-29-minute reporting window. Tensions are soaring per Osinteurope, building on earlier HTV confirmation of Majlis e Askari Group leader Akhtar Khalil killed in Nangarhar's Bihsud district strikes. These developments follow Pakistani strikes reported in Nangarhar's Bihsud, Khogyani, and other districts, plus Paktika, targeting TTP affiliates after suicide bombings in Bannu, Islamabad, and Bajaur, as stated by Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on February 21. Afghan Taliban leader Abdul Hameed Khorasani previously confirmed strikes and called for protests outside Pakistani embassies.
