Washington has affirmed Pakistan’s “right to defend itself” following recent Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan cities amid rising tensions between the two neighboring countries. The strikes targeted key areas including Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, Paktika, Khost, and Laghman, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
In response, the Taliban government in Kabul expressed its willingness to pursue dialogue to resolve the dispute. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated, “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has always tried to resolve issues through dialogue, and now also we want to resolve this matter through dialogue.” The Taliban’s offer to negotiate comes amidst intensified violence between the two sides.
Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif earlier declared that Pakistan was in “open war” with Afghanistan, asserting that Islamabad’s patience had worn thin. The recent hostilities followed Afghan forces’ attack on Pakistani border troops on Thursday night, which Afghanistan claimed was retaliation for Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan border areas last weekend.
Pakistan accuses the Taliban-led Afghan government of harboring militant groups responsible for cross-border attacks, a charge Kabul denies. Islamabad also alleges links between Afghanistan and India, its regional rival, further complicating the conflict.
International reactions called for calm and renewed negotiations. The UK and EU urged both nations to de-escalate and resume talks. The EU emphasized that Afghan territory must not be used to threaten other countries and called on Afghan authorities to take strong action against terrorist groups operating within the country.
In a statement, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas stressed the importance of adhering to international law and protecting civilians, urging all actors to ensure the safety of civilian infrastructure and minimize harm.
Meanwhile, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker spoke with Pakistani Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, expressing condolences for recent casualties and reaffirming support for Pakistan’s right to self-defense. The US continues to monitor the situation closely, considering the Taliban’s return to power in Kabul in 2021 as a threat, with Washington designating the group as a terrorist organization.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also voiced concern over the escalation, calling on both sides to de-escalate immediately, prevent civilian harm, and re-engage in mediated dialogue to restore peace.