Airstrikes – US Backs Pakistan’s Right to Counter Terrorism
Airstrikes – The United States has voiced support for Pakistan’s right to defend itself against terrorism following airstrikes targeting suspected militant hideouts near the Afghanistan border.
US Responds to Pakistan’s Cross-Border Action
Speaking on Monday, a spokesperson for the US State Department said Washington is aware of reports that Pakistani forces carried out strikes against alleged bases of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and ISIS-Khorasan along the frontier with Afghanistan. The spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan has faced significant harm from extremist violence over the years and retains the right to act in self-defense.
According to the statement, the Pakistani population has endured repeated attacks by militant groups, resulting in heavy casualties and security challenges. The US response came after Islamabad confirmed it had conducted operations over the weekend targeting what it described as terrorist infrastructure.
Details of the Reported Strikes
Pakistan stated that the strikes focused on camps believed to be associated with the TTP and affiliates of the Islamic State group operating in the border region. Officials in Islamabad claimed that around 70 militants were killed during the operation.
For years, Pakistani authorities have accused TTP fighters of using Afghan territory as a base to organize and launch attacks across the border. The issue has remained a source of friction between Islamabad and the Taliban-led administration in Kabul, particularly since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
The border region, marked by rugged terrain and limited state control, has long been vulnerable to militant activity. Pakistan has repeatedly called on Afghan authorities to prevent armed groups from using their soil to target neighboring countries.
Washington’s Message to the Taliban
While acknowledging Pakistan’s security concerns, the United States also issued a clear reminder to Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership. The State Department spokesperson stressed that the Taliban must honor their counterterrorism commitments and ensure that Afghan territory is not used as a launchpad for attacks.
This statement reflects ongoing international concerns about militant networks operating in Afghanistan. The US has consistently urged the Taliban administration to take concrete steps against groups that threaten regional stability.
India Criticises the Operation
India reacted strongly to the reported airstrikes. On Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs expressed condemnation over what it described as attacks on Afghan territory that reportedly caused civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal conveyed New Delhi’s concern over the reported loss of innocent lives. He characterized the strikes as deeply troubling and reiterated India’s consistent position supporting Afghanistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.
Jaiswal further suggested that the operation reflected an effort by Pakistan to divert attention from its domestic challenges. India has maintained close engagement with Afghanistan in humanitarian and development sectors and has consistently emphasized respect for Afghan sovereignty.
Regional Tensions and Security Concerns
The latest developments highlight the fragile security environment along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Militancy in the region remains a pressing issue, with both countries facing threats from extremist organizations.
Pakistan has experienced a resurgence in militant attacks in recent months, particularly in its northwestern provinces. The government has pledged to intensify counterterrorism operations to prevent further violence.
At the same time, the situation underscores the broader geopolitical sensitivities in South Asia. With multiple countries monitoring the evolving security dynamics, diplomatic engagement and cooperation remain critical to preventing escalation.
As regional actors respond to the incident, the focus remains on balancing counterterrorism efforts with the protection of civilian lives and respect for international boundaries.