US Backs Pakistan’s Right to Self-Defence Amid Tensions With Afghan Taliban

Washington, Feb 28: The United States on Friday reaffirmed that it backs Pakistan’s right to defend itself following intensified cross border fighting with Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers.

In an official statement, a US State Department spokesperson said Washington supports Islamabad’s efforts to respond to attacks by the Taliban, which the US designates as a terrorist organization. The spokesperson added that the United States is closely monitoring the escalation and expressed sorrow over the reported loss of lives.

The violence follows Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghan territory last weekend, which were met with retaliatory attacks along the border on Thursday. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif described the situation as an “open war,” underscoring the severity of the confrontation.

The Afghan Taliban have indicated willingness to negotiate despite the hostilities. However, tensions remain high over Pakistan’s long-standing allegation that Afghanistan shelters Pakistani Taliban militants a claim Kabul denies, arguing that Islamabad is shifting blame for internal security challenges.

The US statement also criticized the Taliban for failing to meet counterterrorism commitments, noting concerns that militant groups continue to operate from Afghan soil. As both sides report significant casualties, the US supports Pakistan self-defence while urging attention to the mounting humanitarian and regional security implications.