Washington (TDI): As tensions continue to simmer along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, US President Donald Trump has made it clear that Washington does not intend to intervene in the ongoing confrontation between Islamabad and Kabul.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump acknowledged that he could step in if required but emphasized his strong relationship with Pakistan, describing ties with the country as “very good.”
“I get along with Pakistan very well, very, very well,” Trump said, praising Pakistan’s leadership. He referred to the country’s prime minister and military chief as leaders he holds in high regard, adding that Pakistan was “doing terrifically well.”
His remarks come amid a sharp escalation in hostilities after Pakistan and Afghanistan slid into what Islamabad has termed an “open war.”
The latest flare-up followed what Pakistani officials described as unprovoked firing by Afghan Taliban forces across several sectors of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram, and Bajaur late Thursday night.
Read More: ‘Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq’: Pakistan Pounds Taliban Targets in Explosive Showdown with Afghanistan
In response, Pakistan launched a large-scale counteroffensive under Operation Ghazab lil-Haq (Righteous Fury). Pakistani forces dismantled multiple Afghan Taliban military posts along the border, while the Pakistan Air Force carried out precision strikes on targets in Kandahar, Kabul, and Paktia.
Pakistani authorities say 12 security personnel were martyred and 27 injured during the operations, while at least 331 Afghan Taliban fighters have been killed so far.
Meanwhile, the United States Department of State has publicly backed Pakistan’s actions, saying Washington recognizes Islamabad’s right to defend itself.
“The United States supports Pakistan’s right to defend itself against attacks from the Taliban, a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group,” a State Department spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
Read More: Taliban Signal Willingness for Talks After Pakistan Strikes
The spokesperson added that Washington was closely monitoring the situation and expressed sorrow over the loss of life on both sides. The statement also criticized the Afghan Taliban for failing to meet their counterterrorism obligations.
“The Taliban have consistently failed to uphold their commitments,” the statement said, noting that militant groups continue to use Afghan territory as a base for launching attacks.
