In a recent development that has drawn international attention, former US President Donald Trump expressed strong support for Pakistan’s military operations against the Afghan Taliban. He commended the country’s efforts during “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq,” which saw Pakistani forces launch coordinated airstrikes on key Taliban positions across Afghanistan. Trump described Pakistan’s actions as “terrific,” highlighting the effectiveness and precision of the strikes carried out on Friday.
Earlier that day, Pakistani military forces conducted a series of targeted air raids on strategic Taliban strongholds in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia provinces. These operations were part of a broader campaign aimed at neutralizing insurgent threats along the volatile Pak-Afghan border. The military spokesperson confirmed that the offensive was progressing as planned, with Pakistani troops successfully pushing back Taliban fighters at 53 different border points. The spokesperson also emphasized that despite the intensity of the clashes, the military exercised considerable restraint to minimize civilian casualties.
Following the initial strikes, the Pakistani government released detailed figures outlining the operation’s impact. official statements, 297 Taliban militants were killed, while over 450 sustained injuries. Additionally, 89 Taliban posts were destroyed and 18 were captured by Pakistani forces. The offensive also resulted in the destruction of 135 Taliban tanks and armored personnel carriers, alongside aerial bombardments targeting 29 locations within Afghanistan. These numbers underscore the scale and intensity of the military campaign aimed at dismantling Taliban infrastructure and capabilities.
As tensions escalated, Donald Trump addressed the media before departing for Texas, responding to questions about whether he had been asked to intervene in the conflict. He stated, “Well, I would, but I get along with Pakistan, as you know, very well.” Trump went on to praise Pakistan’s leadership, specifically mentioning Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. He described both leaders as “great” and expressed his admiration for their handling of the situation. Trump’s remarks reflected his confidence in Pakistan’s ability to manage the crisis independently, without external interference.
Meanwhile, the international community has voiced deep concerns over the escalating violence between Pakistan and Afghanistan. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urgently called for an immediate ceasefire to halt the ongoing hostilities. Highlighting the severe impact on civilian populations caught in the crossfire, Guterres urged both sides to resolve their differences through diplomatic channels rather than military confrontation. His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, reiterated the call for peace and emphasized the importance of protecting innocent lives amid the turmoil.
In addition to the UN’s appeal, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also issued a statement demanding the protection of civilians and guaranteed access to medical care in the conflict zones. ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric stressed the need for restraint and de-escalation, warning of the grave humanitarian consequences of the intensified clashes. She reminded the world that communities in the region have already endured decades of war, displacement, and suffering, and that the recent surge in violence only compounds their hardships. Spoljaric’s message underscored the urgent necessity for all parties to prioritize human welfare and work towards a peaceful resolution.
As the situation continues to unfold, the eyes of the international community remain fixed on the fragile border region. Pakistan’s military campaign against the Afghan Taliban marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for stability in South Asia. The endorsements from influential figures like Donald Trump add a complex layer to the geopolitical dynamics at play. Meanwhile, calls for diplomacy and humanitarian safeguards highlight the delicate balance between security concerns and the protection of civilian lives in this volatile environment.
