- Web Desk
- 10 Hours ago
US backs Pakistan’s right to self-defence as fighting with Afghan Taliban intensifies
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- Web Desk
- 3 Minutes ago
The United States has voiced support for Pakistan’s right to respond to attacks attributed to the Afghan Taliban, as clashes along the border continue during Operation Ghazib lil-Haq.
US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker said on X that she had spoken with Pakistan’s foreign secretary to convey condolences over casualties in the recent hostilities between Pakistan and the Taliban.
She added that Washington was closely tracking developments and reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s right to defend itself against Taliban assaults.
Tarar shares updated figures on Taliban casualties
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said in a post on X that since the launch of the ongoing operation, Pakistani forces had killed 331 Afghan Taliban fighters and wounded more than 500.
He further stated that 104 Taliban posts had been destroyed while 22 had been taken over by Pakistani troops.
Army destroys Taliban post in Qila Saifullah sector
Security officials said the Pakistan Army, in a retaliatory move, demolished the Afghan Taliban’s Aala Jirga Thana post in the Qila Saifullah sector of Balochistan.
Ground and air operations continue overnight
Military action persisted through the night, with both ground and air operations targeting Afghan Taliban positions.
According to security sources, the Pakistan Air Force struck brigade and battalion headquarters belonging to the Afghan Taliban in Nangarhar province. Troops also captured the New Afghan 8 post before destroying it with explosives, the sources said. Another Taliban installation in the Noshki sector was reportedly demolished.
US mission urges citizens in Pakistan to remain vigilant
The US Mission in Pakistan has advised American citizens in the country to remain cautious amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
In an advisory, the State Department noted that Pakistani security forces had stepped up their presence in major cities due to potential terrorist threats linked to the situation.
It warned that law enforcement buildings, military sites and large commercial centres could be targeted, urging US nationals to exercise particular care when visiting such locations, especially during busy hours.
EU calls for restraint and dialogue
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, urged both Pakistan and Afghanistan to ease tensions and pursue dialogue.
She reiterated that Afghan territory should not be used to threaten or attack other countries and called on the Afghan de facto authorities to act against militant groups operating from within Afghanistan.
Iran expresses concern, offers mediation
In a statement posted on X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran said it was deeply concerned over the rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Tehran called for immediate talks to halt the fighting and reduce tensions, urging both sides to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also expressed readiness to assist in efforts aimed at lowering tensions and facilitating dialogue to end the military confrontation.
