US backs Pakistan against Afghan Taliban

On Friday, the United States expressed its support for Pakistan's right to defend itself against attacks from the Afghan Taliban, following Islamabad's declaration of being in 'open war' with its neighbor. The tensions escalated after Pakistan conducted airstrikes on Afghan territory, prompting retaliatory actions from the Taliban, which the U.S. designates as a global terrorist group. The conflict has been fueled by long-standing accusations from Pakistan that Afghanistan harbors militants responsible for violence within its borders. The U.S. State Department acknowledged the growing hostilities and expressed concern over the loss of life resulting from the clashes. Despite Pakistan's military superiority, the Taliban's guerrilla warfare capabilities pose significant challenges. The situation remains precarious, as both sides suffer heavy casualties while the Taliban's failure to uphold counterterrorism commitments further complicates the regional security landscape. This development underscores the fragile dynamics between the two countries, with Pakistan being a key ally of the U.S. in the region, complicating the geopolitical implications of the ongoing conflict.