US Endorses Pakistan's Military Response in Escalating Afghan Border Conflict
The United States has formally endorsed Pakistan's "right to defend itself" following a series of Pakistani airstrikes targeting major Afghan cities, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two neighbouring nations. This development comes as the Taliban government in Kabul has expressed willingness to resolve the dispute through diplomatic channels, despite the intensifying violence.
Cross-Border Violence Intensifies
Pakistani defence forces conducted bombing raids across multiple Afghan provinces on Thursday night and Friday, specifically targeting areas in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, Paktika, Khost, and Laghman. These military actions represent what Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif described as an "open war" situation, indicating that Islamabad's patience had reached its limit regarding border security concerns.
The recent wave of attacks followed Afghan forces targeting Pakistani border troops on Thursday evening, which Afghan authorities characterized as retaliation for deadly Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan border territories the previous weekend. This cycle of violence has created a dangerous tit-for-tat dynamic along the contested frontier.
International Response and Diplomatic Efforts
Allison Hooker, the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, communicated directly with Pakistani Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch on Friday, expressing American condolences for lives lost in the recent hostilities. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Hooker emphasized that Washington "continues to monitor the situation closely and expressed support for Pakistan's right to defend itself against Taliban attacks."
The European Union issued a strong call for immediate de-escalation, with High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas warning of potentially "serious implications" for regional stability. The EU statement specifically urged Afghan authorities to prevent their territory from being used to threaten neighbouring countries and called for effective action against all terrorist groups operating within Afghanistan.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed these concerns, writing on X: "The UK is deeply concerned by the significant escalation in tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. We urge both sides to take immediate steps toward de‑escalation, avoid further harm to civilians, and re‑engage in mediated dialogue."
Taliban's Diplomatic Overture
Despite the military escalation, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid maintained that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan "has always tried to resolve issues through dialogue, and now also we want to resolve this matter through dialogue." This statement represents a notable diplomatic overture from the Taliban government, which returned to power in Kabul in 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led forces.
The conflict's roots extend to Pakistan's longstanding accusation that Afghanistan's Taliban government provides sanctuary to militant groups conducting cross-border attacks—a claim consistently denied by Kabul. Additionally, Pakistan alleges that Afghanistan has developed alliances with India, Pakistan's historic regional rival, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
Regional Security Implications
This latest escalation occurs despite previous diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region. A Qatari-mediated ceasefire successfully ended fighting in 2025, though subsequent negotiations in Istanbul during November failed to produce a formal peace agreement. The current violence threatens to undermine these earlier diplomatic achievements and could have far-reaching consequences for South Asian security.
International observers emphasize that all parties must respect humanitarian law, ensure civilian protection, and take all feasible precautions to prevent further harm to non-combatants. The situation remains fluid, with global powers closely monitoring developments along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border as both nations navigate this dangerous period of heightened military confrontation.
