Open War Between Muslim Nations Escalates, US Openly Comments
Jakarta – The United States has stated its support for what is termed Pakistan’s “right to self-defence” following escalation of conflict with Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. This was conveyed on Friday, after Islamabad described the clashes between the two nations as “open war”.
A US State Department spokesperson stated that Washington backs Pakistan’s actions in confronting attacks from Taliban Afghanistan, a designated global terrorist group.
“The United States supports Pakistan’s right to self-defence against attacks from the Taliban,” the spokesperson said in a statement sent via email, citing Reuters.
US diplomat Allison Hooker also spoke with Pakistani Foreign Minister Amna Baloch on Friday to discuss the developing situation.
For its part, Taliban-controlled Afghanistan stated its readiness to negotiate following Pakistan’s airstrikes targeting their forces in several major cities.
Militarily, Pakistan possesses significant advantages, including nuclear weapons and substantially greater conventional military capability compared with Afghanistan. However, the Taliban are known for extensive experience in guerrilla warfare, honed through decades of conflict, including against US-led forces.
Pakistan is a key US ally outside NATO. Meanwhile, Washington continues to classify Taliban Afghanistan as a terrorist group.
The latest violence was triggered by Pakistani airstrikes in Afghan territory last weekend. This prompted retaliatory attacks from Afghanistan along the border on Thursday, intensifying longstanding tensions.
Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harbouring militants from Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), or Pakistani Taliban. However, Afghanistan denies the accusations, stating that Pakistan is deflecting responsibility for its own security failures.
The US State Department spokesperson acknowledged the heightened tensions and fighting between Pakistan and Taliban Afghanistan, expressing concern over loss of life in the conflict.
Both sides report significant casualties. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has even described the situation as equivalent to “open war”.
“The Taliban have consistently failed to meet their counter-terrorism commitments,” the State Department said, adding that “terrorist groups are using Afghanistan as a launching pad for their vile attacks”.