The United States has publicly backed Pakistan’s right to defend itselfagainst attacks from the Afghan Taliban regime, amid escalating cross-border clashes between the neighbouring countries, according to official statements.
In a statement reported by Reuters, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said Washington supports “Pakistan’s right to defend itself” against what it described as attacks from the Taliban, which the United States classifies as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist group.”The remarks came as tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan intensified following a series of retaliatory strikes and border exchanges.
The State Department said it was “aware of the escalation in tensions and the outbreak of fighting between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban,”and expressed that the U.S. was “saddened by the loss of life” in the conflict.
The comments follow reports that Pakistan’s armed forces have been engaged in coordinated air and ground operations against Taliban targets after a reported Afghan Taliban cross-border offensive. Islamabad has accused the Taliban-controlled government in Kabul of harbouring militant groups responsible for attacks inside Pakistan.
In addition to backing Pakistan’s self-defense, U.S. officials have urged restraint and emphasised the need for de-escalation. According to other reports, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker spoke with Pakistan’s foreign secretary to offer condolences for lives lost and reaffirm support for Islamabad’s right to protect its territory.
While the U.S. declaration affirms diplomatic support for Islamabad, there has been no official response from the Taliban government in Kabul to the U.S. statement.The conflict has drawn international attention, with calls from the United Nations and other global actors urging an immediate ceasefire and negotiation.