Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan sharply escalated on Friday after Islamabad launched air strikes across the border, prompting strong reactions from global powers and comments from US President Donald Trump, who praised Pakistan's leadership while indicating he could step in if needed.
Pakistan launches strikes after border clashes
Pakistan has announced what it calls an "open war" after the Taliban in Afghanistan opened fire heavily along its border in various areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, including Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram and Bajaur districts on Thursday evening.
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In retaliation, Pakistan launched air strikes early Friday morning as part of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq and targeted areas in Afghanistan. According to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, the strikes targeted defense installations in Kabul, Kandahar, and the southeastern province of Paktia.
The military action comes after months of intermittent fighting along the porous border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Conflicting casualty claims emerge
Both sides released sharply different casualty figures following the strikes. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghan forces killed 55 Pakistani soldiers, while confirming that 13 Afghan troops had died.
Pakistan's military offered a contrasting account. Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, head of the Army's publicity wing, told reporters that "274 Taliban regime members and terrorists" were killed, while Pakistan lost 12 troops during the confrontation, reported Hindustan Times.
Trump praises Pakistan leadership
Speaking to reporters on Friday, US President Donald Trump addressed the unfolding crisis and praised Pakistan's leadership. Asked about the strikes, he said he would consider stepping in diplomatically but emphasised his relationship with Islamabad.
"I would (intervene). But I get along with Pakistan very very well. They have a great Prime Minister, a great General. They have a great leader. Two of the people that I really respect a lot. Pakistan is doing terrifically well," he was quoted as saying by HT.
Trump specifically commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan's military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.
US backs Pakistan's 'right to defend itself'
The US administration also signalled support for Pakistan's position. Allison Hooker, under secretary of state for political affairs, said Washington was closely tracking developments after discussions with Pakistan’s foreign secretary Amna Baloch.
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"We continue to monitor the situation closely and expressed support for Pakistan's right to defend itself against Taliban attacks," she wrote on X, while also offering US "condolences for lives lost in the recent conflict between Pakistan and the Taliban."
As fighting intensified, international reactions followed quickly. Britain called for "de-escalation", China urged a ceasefire, and Iran offered to mediate between the two sides.
