In a significant development regarding the ongoing tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, the United States has publicly reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s sovereign right to protect itself against attacks by the Afghan Taliban. Allison M. Hooker, the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, emphasized Washington’s close attention to the evolving security situation and expressed solidarity with Pakistan following recent violent clashes.
Hooker conveyed her condolences over the loss of life resulting from the conflict in a direct conversation with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary. She underscored that the United States continues to monitor the situation with great concern and firmly supports Pakistan’s efforts to defend its territory against Taliban aggression. This statement reflects a broader US policy stance recognizing the Taliban as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group responsible for destabilizing activities in the region.
Further elaborating on the US position, a spokesperson from the State Department highlighted that the Taliban have repeatedly failed to honor their commitments to counterterrorism, allowing terrorist factions to use Afghan soil as a base for launching attacks. This ongoing threat has prompted coordinated military responses from Pakistan, aimed at neutralizing Taliban strongholds and preventing further incursions.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump weighed in on the escalating military confrontation, commending Pakistan’s leadership for managing the crisis effectively. Speaking to the press before departing for Texas, Trump remarked that Islamabad was handling the situation “terrifically well” and indicated no intention to intervene directly. He praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir, describing them as strong and respected leaders who have steered Pakistan through a challenging period.
On the ground, Pakistan’s security forces have launched a robust military campaign dubbed Operation Ghazab lil-Haq (Righteous Fury) in response to unprovoked Taliban attacks across the border. Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar provided a detailed account of the operation’s impact, revealing that Pakistani forces have killed 331 Taliban fighters and injured over 500 more. The operation has also resulted in the destruction of 104 Taliban posts and the capture of 22 militants, demonstrating the intensity and scale of the counteroffensive.
Tarar further disclosed that 163 tanks and armored vehicles belonging to the Taliban were destroyed during the operation. Air strikes targeted 37 locations deep inside Afghanistan, focusing on key Taliban positions and military installations. Launched on Friday night, the operation combines coordinated air and ground assaults aimed at dismantling the Taliban’s operational capabilities along the volatile border region.
This latest surge in military activity marks a critical phase in Pakistan’s ongoing struggle to secure its borders against insurgent threats emanating from Afghanistan. The US backing and President Trump’s commendations highlight the international dimension of this conflict, as Islamabad seeks to maintain stability and safeguard its citizens amid persistent cross-border hostilities.
