The United States has expressed support for Pakistan’s “right to defend itself” after Pakistani forces carried out airstrikes on major cities in Afghanistan, raising tensions between the two neighbours.
The Taliban government in Kabul said it was ready for dialogue as violence escalated.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghanistan wanted to resolve the conflict through negotiations. “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has always tried to resolve issues through dialogue,” he said.
Afghan officials said Pakistani strikes hit areas in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia on Thursday night, followed by further attacks in Paktia, Paktika, Khost and Laghman on Friday.
Earlier, Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif said his country was in “open war” with Afghanistan and warned that Islamabad’s patience had run out.
The latest violence followed clashes along the border. Pakistan said Afghan forces attacked its troops on Thursday night, while Afghanistan described the action as retaliation for deadly Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan border areas last weekend.
Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities of sheltering militant groups that launch attacks inside Pakistan and of maintaining links with India, a claim Kabul denies.
The European Union and the United Kingdom called for immediate de-escalation and urged both sides to return to negotiations. A Qatari-mediated ceasefire ended fighting in 2025, but talks held in Istanbul last November failed to produce a peace agreement.
US Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker spoke with Pakistani Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and expressed condolences for those killed in the violence. She said Washington supports Pakistan’s right to defend itself against Taliban attacks.
The EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged Afghanistan to prevent its territory from being used for attacks and called on all sides to protect civilians and follow international law.
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also expressed concern over the escalation and urged both countries to avoid further civilian harm and resume dialogue.
The United States considers the Taliban a terrorist group and maintains close security ties with Pakistan.
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