Former US President Donald Trump expressed strong praise for Pakistan’s recent military offensive against the Afghan Taliban, known as “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq,” carried out on Friday. He highlighted Pakistan’s efforts as highly effective, noting that the country was “performing exceptionally well” in its campaign. This operation involved coordinated airstrikes targeting key Taliban strongholds in major Afghan cities such as Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, marking a significant escalation in cross-border military activity.
The strikes were launched by Pakistani armed forces with the objective of dismantling Taliban military infrastructure and pushing back insurgent forces along the volatile border regions. military officials, the operation has been successful in achieving its goals so far, with rebel fighters being expelled from 53 strategic locations. The military emphasized that despite the intensity of the offensive, efforts were made to minimize civilian casualties, reflecting a degree of operational restraint in a highly sensitive conflict zone.
Further details released by the government revealed the scale of the operation’s impact: 297 Taliban fighters were reportedly killed, while over 450 sustained injuries. Additionally, 89 Taliban posts were destroyed and 18 were captured by Pakistani forces. The campaign also resulted in the destruction of 135 Taliban tanks and armored personnel carriers, alongside aerial bombardments on 29 separate sites across Afghanistan. These figures underscore the extensive damage inflicted on Taliban capabilities during the operation.
Before departing for Texas, Trump addressed the media and was asked about Pakistan’s response to what Islamabad described as “unprovoked aggression” from the Afghan Taliban. He responded by emphasizing his positive relationship with Pakistan, stating, “I get along with Pakistan very well.” He went on to commend Pakistan’s leadership, specifically mentioning Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Chief of Defense Forces and Army Chief, respectively. Trump described both leaders as individuals he deeply respects and credited them for effectively managing the situation on the ground. His remarks highlighted his belief that Pakistan was handling the conflict with commendable skill and determination.
Meanwhile, the international community has voiced growing concern over the escalating violence between Pakistan and Afghanistan. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing the severe consequences the conflict is having on civilian populations. His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, reiterated the urgent need for both sides to halt hostilities and pursue diplomatic solutions to their differences. The UN’s intervention reflects the broader anxiety about the potential for the conflict to spiral further and destabilize the region.
In addition to the UN’s appeal, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also issued a statement urging restraint and the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire. ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric highlighted the profound escalation in hostilities and stressed the importance of ensuring access to medical care amid the violence. She reminded the international community that the people living in this region have already endured decades of war, displacement, and loss, and that the recent surge in fighting only compounds their suffering. Her call for de-escalation underscores the humanitarian dimension of the conflict, which continues to affect countless innocent lives.
