Trump hails Pakistan’s leadership as Kabul-Islamabad conflict spirals into ‘open war’

As cross-border hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan intensify, US President Donald Trump struck a strikingly warm note toward Islamabad — praising Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir — even while signaling he could consider intervention.

“I would (intervene). But I get along with Pakistan very well,” Trump told reporters on Friday. “They have a great Prime Minister, a great general. They have a great leader. Two of the people that I really respect a lot. Pakistan is doing terrifically well.”

The remarks came against the backdrop of what Islamabad has termed “open war” with Afghanistan, following a dramatic escalation that saw Pakistani airstrikes hit Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia — the first direct targeting of Taliban-controlled cities in recent years.

US backs Pakistan’s ‘right to defend itself’

The US State Department reinforced the supportive tone. Allison M Hooker, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, said she spoke with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch to express condolences over the loss of lives and reiterated Washington’s position.

“We continue to monitor the situation closely and expressed support for Pakistan’s right to defend itself against Taliban attacks,” Hooker said.

In parallel, the US Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan issued a security advisory for American citizens, warning of heightened threats amid rising tensions. The US Mission said Pakistani security forces had increased deployments in major cities, cautioning that law enforcement facilities, military installations and commercial hubs remain potential terrorist targets.

Casualty claims and counter-claims

Pakistan said 12 of its soldiers were killed in the clashes. Afghan authorities claimed 13 Taliban fighters died in Pakistani strikes. Both sides reported significantly higher enemy casualties — figures that could not be independently verified.

Islamabad maintains that its strikes were aimed at militant sanctuaries it accuses Kabul of harboring. Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers, however, signaled readiness for dialogue. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the Islamic Emirate had “always tried to resolve issues through dialogue.”

Diplomatic scramble to prevent wider conflict

Qatar, which previously mediated between the two sides, is again working behind the scenes to ease tensions along the volatile 2,600-km frontier.

At the United Nations in New York, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced alarm over the spiraling violence. Through his spokesperson, he called for an “immediate cessation of hostilities” and urged both nations to resolve differences through diplomacy.

With military exchanges widening and rhetoric hardening, the crisis now tests not only regional stability but Washington’s balancing act — backing an ally while facing mounting pressure to prevent a broader war in South Asia.