Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Air Strikes 2026: Is Another War Brewing in South Asia? Full Timeline & India’s StanceLast Updated: 23 February 2026 | By: The Press of Asia News DeskLocation: New Delhi/KabulTensions in South Asia have reached a boiling point. Late-night airstrikes by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) deep inside Afghan territory on February 22, 2026, have sent shockwaves across the region. While Pakistan defends the move as an ‘anti-terror operation’, the Taliban regime has condemned it as a blatant violation of its sovereignty, warning of “terrible retaliation.”The Full Timeline of the Air Strikes: What Exactly Happened?On the night of February 22, 2026, Pakistani fighter jets targeted 7 suspected militant camps across four major Afghan provinces — Paktika, Nangarhar, Khost, and Paktia.Pakistan’s Claim:According to Islamabad, this was a highly coordinated ‘Intelligence-Based Operation’. Pakistan asserts that:Over 80 fighters affiliated with the TTP (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan) and ISKP (ISIS-Khorasan) were eliminated in these strikes.The offensive is a direct retaliation to the recent suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad and the killing of Pakistani soldiers in Bannu.Afghanistan’s Counter-Claim (Civilian Casualties):The Taliban government’s spokesperson strongly refuted Islamabad’s claims, stating that Pakistan targeted innocent civilians under the guise of hunting terrorists.Reports from Kabul indicate that 18 to 23 civilians have died, including women and children.Tragically, multiple members of a single family were reportedly killed in the Girdi Kas area. A local madrasa and a guest house were also completely destroyed in the bombardment.”Pakistan has tried to play with fire. Defending our borders and sovereignty is our religious and national duty. We will deliver a measured and stern response.” — Afghan Defense MinistryIndia’s Strong Reaction: What Did the MEA Say?The Official Spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Randhir Jaiswal, expressed deep concern over the escalating situation. India’s stance remains firm:Respect for Sovereignty: India reiterated its unwavering support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Afghanistan.Condemnation of Civilian Deaths: India expressed profound grief over the loss of innocent lives, especially noting the tragic timing during the holy month of Ramadan.Pakistan’s Internal Failure: Taking a sharp dig at Islamabad, India stated that Pakistan is continuously trying to deflect the blame for its own ‘internal failures’ onto neighboring countries.The Press of Asia Analysis: What Lies Ahead?This airstrike is not merely a bilateral border dispute; it poses a severe threat to the geopolitical stability of the entire South Asian region:Impact on Trade: Major border crossings (like Torkham & Chaman) have been shut down indefinitely, bringing cross-border trade to a grinding halt.Security Risks: If the Taliban decides to retaliate militarily, the heavily volatile Durand Line (2,600 km) could witness a full-scale armed conflict.India’s Watchful Eye: For New Delhi, this is a highly sensitive development from a regional security standpoint, requiring close strategic monitoring.