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Pakistan Airstrikes Kill 70 Militants Amid Afghan Tensions

2/24/2026

23 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Pakistan Targets Militants

Pakistan conducted airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, killing at least 70 militants linked to Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State affiliates.
Afghan officials reported civilian casualties, including children, and condemned the strikes as sovereignty violations.
The Taliban vowed a calculated response to the strikes.
Pakistan's government urged international pressure on Kabul to curb militant activity launched from Afghan territory.

History

Historical Context

The Soviet-Afghan War began in December 1979 when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, following a communist coup in April 1978. The U.S. responded by supporting the Mujahideen through Operation Cyclone, providing up to $630 million annually by 1987. This conflict fostered militant factions like the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), contributing to ongoing instability and tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

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Pakistan Targets Militants

Pakistan conducted airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan, killing at least 70 militants linked to Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State affiliates.
Afghan officials reported civilian casualties, including children, and condemned the strikes as sovereignty violations.
The Taliban vowed a calculated response to the strikes.
Pakistan's government urged international pressure on Kabul to curb militant activity launched from Afghan territory.

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