By Micah Jonah, March 2, 2026
The United States has voiced support for Pakistan’s “right to defend itself” following Islamabad’s declaration that it is in “open war” with Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities after days of escalating cross-border fighting.
In a statement on Friday, a spokesperson for the United States Department of State said Washington backs Pakistan’s right to respond to attacks attributed to the Taliban, which the US designates as a terrorist group.
“The United States supports Pakistan’s right to defend itself against attacks from the Taliban, a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group,” the spokesperson said, adding that Washington was aware of the outbreak of fighting and saddened by the loss of life.
US diplomat, Allison Hooker said she spoke with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary, Amna Baloch amid the intensifying crisis.
‘Open War’Declaration:
Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif described the clashes as amounting to an “open war” after Pakistani air strikes on Afghan territory triggered retaliatory attacks along the border.
The latest violence follows Pakistani strikes last weekend targeting what Islamabad described as militant hideouts. Afghan Taliban authorities have denied harbouring anti-Pakistan militants and say Islamabad is shifting blame for its own internal security challenges.
Afghanistan’s Taliban government signalled willingness to negotiate, however tensions remain high as both sides report heavy casualties.
Long-Running Dispute:
The confrontation stems from Pakistan’s longstanding accusations that Afghanistan shelters Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters responsible for deadly attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul denies the claims.
Pakistan, a nuclear-armed state and designated major non-NATO ally of the United States, possesses far superior conventional military capabilities. However, the Afghan Taliban are experienced in guerrilla warfare, having fought US-led NATO forces for two decades before returning to power in 2021 following Washington’s withdrawal.
The State Department said the Taliban have “consistently failed to uphold their counterterrorism commitments,” adding that militant groups continue to use Afghan territory as a launching pad for attacks.
As fighting intensifies along the border, international observers warn that prolonged hostilities could further destabilise a region already strained by overlapping conflicts elsewhere in the Middle East and South Asia.
