US Backs Pakistan's Right to Self-Defense Amid Cross-Border Airstrikes in Afghanistan

Pakistan has received international support regarding its recent airstrikes in Afghanistan. The United States has backed Pakistan's "right to defend itself" against Taliban attacks, lending a new diplomatic dimension to the escalating military tensions along the border region.

Pakistan announced that it launched airstrikes inside Afghanistan on Friday morning in response to cross-border attacks that occurred on Thursday night. According to Pakistan's Information Minister, 37 locations were targeted by air operations since the commencement of the offensive.

Prime Minister's spokesperson Musharraf Zaidi stated that an "immediate and effective response to the attacks is ongoing." Although there was no clear confirmation of further attacks overnight, officials indicated that operations are continuing.

US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, expressed support for Pakistan's right to self-defense via social media following a conversation with her Pakistani counterpart. Meanwhile, the Taliban government has denied allegations of harboring terrorists and has called for dialogue to resolve the conflict.

According to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, Afghan forces killed 55 Pakistani soldiers and captured others, while reporting 13 Afghan soldiers killed. Pakistan claims to have killed 297 Afghan Taliban fighters from its side. Islamabad had previously reported 12 of its soldiers killed. Afghan Deputy Spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat stated that at least 19 civilians were killed in Khost and Paktika provinces. Claims from both sides could not be independently verified.

Analysts suggest that this time, Pakistan appears to have focused its airstrikes for the first time directly on Afghan government structures, marking a significant shift from previous operations. Relations between the two countries have deteriorated rapidly in recent months. Border crossings have remained largely closed following clashes in October that resulted in over 70 deaths.

Islamabad has accused Kabul of failing to control groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which the Taliban denies. Zaidi reported that while there was no major clash at the border overnight, an attack occurred on a Pakistani post near Khost.

As tensions rise, China, the UK, the United Nations, the Red Cross, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have called for restraint and a return to negotiations. In Geneva, Red Cross Chief Mirjana Spoljaric stated that humanitarian aid is on standby, but political will is necessary for a long-term solution.

The ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey last year failed to translate into lasting peace. The current developments signal a deepening of mistrust between the two neighbors, raising concerns about the impact on regional stability.