US Backs Pakistan’s Right to Self-Defense Against Taliban Attacks

The United States has affirmed Pakistan’s right to self-defense following escalating clashes with the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, a U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed Friday. The statement came after Islamabad characterized the conflict as an “open war,” according to reports from Reuters and Indonesian news outlet Kompas.id.

“The United States supports Pakistan’s right to defend itself against attacks from the Taliban,” the spokesperson said in a statement delivered via email. The U.S. Considers the Taliban a global terrorist group, a designation that remains in effect as of March 1, 2026.

U.S. Diplomat Allison Hooker spoke with Pakistani Foreign Minister Amna Baloch on Friday to discuss the deteriorating situation, the State Department confirmed. The discussions followed Pakistani airstrikes within Afghanistan over the weekend, which prompted retaliatory attacks from Afghanistan along the shared border on Thursday, significantly raising tensions.

Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring militants from Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistan Taliban. Afghanistan denies these allegations, asserting that Pakistan is attempting to deflect responsibility for its own security failures.

While Pakistan possesses a significant military advantage over Afghanistan, including a nuclear arsenal and a larger conventional fighting force, the Taliban has decades of experience in guerilla warfare, including against U.S.-led forces, according to analysis from the Council on Foreign Relations.

The recent violence has resulted in reported casualties on both sides. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif described the situation as equivalent to “open war.” The U.S. State Department acknowledged the increased tensions and loss of life, expressing concern over the escalating conflict.

The State Department further stated that the Taliban has “consistently failed to meet its counter-terrorism commitments,” and that “terrorist groups are using Afghanistan as a base for launching their heinous attacks.”

Pakistan is a major non-NATO ally of the United States. The Taliban has indicated a willingness to negotiate, following the Pakistani airstrikes targeting their forces in several major cities. As of Saturday, March 1, 2026, no formal negotiations have been announced.