The United States has voiced support for Pakistan’s “right to defend itself” after Islamabad carried out airstrikes on major Afghan cities, dramatically escalating tensions between the two neighbours.
Pakistan launched strikes on areas including Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, Paktika, Khost and Laghman, according to Taliban officials. The attacks followed cross-border clashes in which Afghan forces reportedly targeted Pakistani border troops.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Kabul preferred dialogue over further conflict. “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has always tried to resolve issues through dialogue, and now also we want to resolve this matter through dialogue,” he said.
But Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif described the situation as an “open war,” saying Islamabad’s patience had run out.
Washington’s response
US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker said she had spoken with Pakistan’s foreign secretary and expressed condolences for the lives lost in recent violence. She added that Washington supported Pakistan’s right to defend itself against Taliban-linked attacks.
Pakistan remains a key US security partner, while Washington continues to designate the Afghan Taliban — who returned to power in 2021 after the withdrawal of US-led forces — as a terrorist organisation.
Rising regional concern
The escalation has drawn concern from Europe.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for “immediate de-escalation and a halt of hostilities,” warning of serious regional consequences. She urged Afghan authorities to ensure their territory is not used to launch attacks against neighbouring countries.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also called for restraint and renewed dialogue, stressing the need to protect civilians.
A Qatari-mediated ceasefire in 2025 temporarily reduced violence, but subsequent talks in Istanbul failed to produce a lasting agreement.
Why tensions are rising
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan’s Taliban government of sheltering militant groups that carry out attacks across the border — allegations Kabul denies. Islamabad also claims that Afghan authorities have grown closer to India, Pakistan’s long-standing regional rival.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, says Pakistani airstrikes have killed civilians in border areas and insists it is responding to aggression rather than provoking it.
Cross-border attacks have increased in recent months, raising fears of a prolonged conflict between the two countries.
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FAQs
Why did Pakistan launch strikes inside Afghanistan?
Pakistan says it targeted militant groups operating from Afghan territory that have staged attacks against Pakistani security forces.
How has the Taliban responded?
The Taliban condemned the strikes but signalled willingness to resolve the dispute through dialogue. However, Afghan forces have also engaged in cross-border clashes.
What is the US position?
The US expressed condolences for casualties and affirmed Pakistan’s right to defend itself against attacks it attributes to Taliban-linked groups.
Are civilians affected?
Both sides have accused each other of causing civilian casualties. International actors have urged compliance with humanitarian law and protection of non-combatants.
Could this turn into a wider war?
There is a risk of sustained cross-border conflict, especially if diplomatic channels fail. However, regional and international pressure may push both sides toward renewed negotiations.
What role has mediation played previously?
Qatar helped broker a ceasefire in 2025, but later talks did not secure a formal peace deal, leaving tensions unresolved.
Conclusion
The latest exchange of strikes marks one of the most serious escalations between Pakistan and Afghanistan in recent years. While the United States has backed Pakistan’s right to defend itself, international leaders are urging restraint and a return to dialogue.
With both governments trading accusations and military actions intensifying, the risk of prolonged instability along the border is growing. Whether the crisis deepens into sustained conflict or returns to diplomatic channels will depend on the willingness of both sides to de-escalate and re-engage in mediated talks — and on whether regional actors can help prevent further bloodshed.
