Highlights:
- Trump says he has a strong relationship with Pakistan’s leaders.
- Border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply increased.
- Pakistan accuses Taliban authorities of sheltering TTP fighters.
- Both sides report significant military and civilian casualties.
- The US says it supports Pakistan’s right to self-defense.
President Donald Trump has praised Pakistan and its leadership as tensions rise between Pakistan and Taliban-led Afghanistan. Speaking to reporters on February 27–28 in New York or Washington, Trump said he gets along “very, very well” with Pakistan and described the country as “doing terrifically well.”
Trump made the remarks when asked whether the United States would intervene in what was described as an “open war” between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He said he respects Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir, calling them “two of the people that I really respect a lot.”
The comments come as cross-border violence between the two neighboring countries has intensified in recent weeks.
Trump position aligns with US support for Pakistan’s self-defense
The Trump administration has indicated that it is closely monitoring the situation. The US State Department said it supports Pakistan’s right to defend itself against attacks.
Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker said she spoke with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch to express condolences for the lives lost in the recent clashes. In a post on X, she said the US continues to monitor developments and supports Pakistan’s right to self-defense against Taliban attacks.
Trump’s public endorsement of Pakistan’s leadership reinforces the broader US position. While the United States has not announced any direct military involvement, Trump’s remarks suggest diplomatic backing for Pakistan during the escalating conflict.
Pakistan accuses Taliban of harboring TTP fighters
The conflict has been building for months. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities of allowing fighters from Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, commonly known as TTP, to operate from Afghan territory. Islamabad says these fighters have used Afghan soil to plan and carry out attacks inside Pakistan.
Recent incidents in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu have contributed to rising tensions. Pakistani officials say these attacks prompted a stronger military response.
The situation escalated after Afghan forces reportedly attacked Pakistani border posts. In response, Pakistan launched airstrikes under an operation named “Ghazab lil Haq,” meaning “righteous fury.”
According to Pakistani officials, the strikes targeted Taliban-linked positions in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. They said brigade headquarters and ammunition depots were among the sites hit.
Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said the country’s patience had run out and defended the action as necessary for national security.
Casualty claims differ as violence intensifies
Casualty figures reported by both sides differ and have not been independently verified.
Pakistan claims it killed 274 Taliban fighters, injured more than 400, and destroyed 83 posts. It also reported that 12 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 27 injured during the clashes.
Afghan officials dispute those figures. They claim that 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed or captured. Afghan authorities also reported at least eight Afghan deaths and 11 wounded, stating that civilians, including children and students at a religious school, were affected.
Videos circulating on social media show large explosions, fires, and emergency responses in multiple areas. International news outlets, including Reuters and The Washington Post, have reported on the escalating violence and the conflicting claims from both governments.
Trump remarks draw international attention
Trump’s statements about Pakistan have been widely shared across media platforms. Indian media outlet Amar Ujala also covered his comments in detail.
The Trump remarks come at a sensitive moment, as military tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border raise concerns about broader regional instability. The conflict has implications not only for South Asia but also for US foreign policy, particularly given Washington’s past involvement in Afghanistan.
By stating that he gets along “very, very well” with Pakistan and praising its leadership, Trump has positioned himself clearly on the issue. His description of Pakistan as “doing terrifically well” underscores his administration’s supportive stance despite the sharp rise in violence.
Trump response amid regional security concerns
The risk of further escalation remains high. Border clashes continue, and both governments maintain firm public positions regarding responsibility for the violence.
Trump has not indicated that the United States would intervene directly. However, his public comments reinforce diplomatic backing for Pakistan at a time of increased military activity.
As tensions remain elevated, the situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border continues to draw international scrutiny. For now, Trump’s remarks highlight a close US relationship with Pakistan even as violence intensifies in the region.
