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Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghanistan territories have sparked international concern, with dozens reportedly killed in what Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence has condemned as a “blatant violation” of their sovereignty and international law.
On February 22, Pakistan’s military conducted what they described as “targeted strikes” on alleged militant hideouts across two Afghan provinces. The attacks primarily targeted areas in eastern Afghanistan, including locations in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces, according to statements from Afghanistan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid.
The military operation involved multiple air and drone strikes across various regions, including Urgun in Paktika province, Khogyani and Ghani Khel in Nangarhar province, Behsud, and two separate sites in Khost province, as reported by ABP on the day of the attacks.
As news of the strikes spread, misinformation began circulating on social media. A video purportedly showing “a second round of strikes” in Nangarhar and Khost gained traction online, with claims that eight locations in Afghanistan had been targeted. The nighttime footage depicted massive explosions illuminating the darkness.
However, fact-checking efforts by India Today revealed that the viral video had no connection to the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict. Through a reverse image search of key frames, investigators discovered the footage actually showed Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon from October 2025.
The same video had been previously posted by Al Jazeera reporter Fatima Tirki on October 17, 2025, explicitly describing it as showing “Israeli aggression in Southern Lebanon.” Further confirmation came from The Daily File, an independent project by Israeli citizens, which had published the identical footage on its website on October 16, 2025, reporting fifteen Israeli airstrikes in Southern Lebanon.
Additional evidence came from a separate Al Jazeera video published on October 17, 2025, showing a closer view of the same explosion. According to Al Jazeera’s reporting, the footage documented Israeli warplanes targeting southern and eastern Lebanon on October 16, despite a ceasefire agreement that had been established in November 2024.
The BBC had also covered these events in 2025, reporting that while the Israeli army claimed to have targeted Hezbollah and its allies, Lebanon’s president condemned the attacks as violations of the 2024 ceasefire agreement that had specifically targeted civilians. The BBC report featured screenshots from the same video now being falsely attributed to the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict.
This incident highlights the recurring problem of video recycling during international conflicts, where footage from previous crises is repurposed to spread misinformation about current events.
The actual Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict remains serious. The February 22 strikes have heightened tensions in a historically volatile border region. Pakistan has faced increasing security challenges from militants operating along the Afghanistan border, while Afghanistan’s Taliban government, still seeking international legitimacy, has condemned the incursion as a violation of its sovereignty.
This cross-border military action represents one of the most significant escalations between the neighboring countries since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Regional analysts suggest the strikes may complicate already strained diplomatic relations between Islamabad and Kabul, potentially destabilizing a region that has seen decades of conflict.
As the situation develops, accurate reporting and verification of information remain crucial to understanding the true impact and scope of the conflict.
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10 Comments
The reported civilian casualties in these strikes are very concerning. I hope an impartial investigation can shed light on the full extent of the impacts and hold any responsible parties accountable.
I agree, civilian harm must be thoroughly examined. Transparency and accountability will be crucial in navigating this delicate situation.
This incident highlights the need for greater regional cooperation and respect for sovereignty. I wonder what the long-term implications will be for Afghanistan-Pakistan relations and the broader geopolitical dynamics in the area.
As someone with an interest in geopolitics and regional security, this development is quite intriguing. I’ll be closely following updates and analyses from credible sources to better understand the motivations and implications.
Same here. This incident has the potential to significantly reshape the dynamics in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region. I’m curious to see how the international community responds.
It’s good to see that the details of this incident are being fact-checked and verified. Maintaining accuracy and neutrality in reporting on such sensitive military actions is vital.
Absolutely. Fact-checking is essential to cut through the noise and misinformation that often surrounds these types of events. Rigorous journalism is the best way to shed light on the truth.
It’s troubling to see the spread of misinformation around these events. Fact-checking is crucial to understand the true nature and impacts of such military operations. I appreciate the diligence in verifying the details.
This is a concerning development. Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghanistan raise serious questions about the region’s stability and the potential for escalating tensions. I hope the situation can be resolved through diplomatic channels.
This situation is certainly complex, with competing narratives and potential for further escalation. I hope all parties involved can exercise restraint and prioritize diplomatic solutions to address the underlying issues.