US supports Pakistan border strikes against Taliban as of April 2026

The US has officially backed Pakistan's right to defend itself after border clashes led to over 331 deaths. This is a major shift in diplomatic support compared to previous years.
By Newsroom | International News, South Asia |

Washington has declared support for Pakistan's "right to defend itself" following a significant escalation of violence along the Afghanistan border. The declaration comes as Pakistan conducted airstrikes within Afghan territory, which it claims targeted militants of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating from Afghanistan.

US says it supports Pakistan's right to defend itself amid renewed conflict with Afghanistan - 1

The recent clashes ignited after Pakistan's aerial bombardment of Afghan areas, including parts of Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, last weekend. Afghanistan responded with retaliatory attacks on Pakistani border troops on Thursday night. Kabul stated its actions were a direct response to the Pakistani strikes.

US says it supports Pakistan's right to defend itself amid renewed conflict with Afghanistan - 2

Pakistan's information minister, Attaullah Tarar, reported that its ongoing offensive against Afghanistan has resulted in the deaths of over 331 Afghan Taliban forces, with more than 500 others wounded. Conversely, Afghan authorities claimed 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed during their border strikes, asserting their own casualties were considerably lower than claimed by Islamabad. On Saturday, Pakistan's air force reportedly struck key military installations across eastern Afghanistan.

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US says it supports Pakistan's right to defend itself amid renewed conflict with Afghanistan - 3

The Taliban government in Kabul has signaled a willingness to negotiate amidst the heightened tensions. International bodies, including the UK and the EU, have called for an immediate de-escalation and urged both nations to return to negotiation tables.

US says it supports Pakistan's right to defend itself amid renewed conflict with Afghanistan - 4

This exchange underscores a persistent dispute, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of harboring militants responsible for attacks within its borders. Kabul, however, denies these allegations, framing them as an attempt by Pakistan to deflect blame for its own internal security shortcomings.

Pakistan, a nuclear-armed nation, possesses military capabilities described as vastly superior to Afghanistan's. As a major non-NATO ally, its relationship with Washington has seen improvement. The US State Department specifically referred to the Afghan Taliban as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist group" in its statement of support for Pakistan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the US support Pakistan's military actions on the Afghanistan border on 7 April 2026?
The US government stated that Pakistan has the right to defend itself against militants. This follows Pakistan's claims that groups in Afghanistan are responsible for attacks inside Pakistani territory.
Q: How many people have died in the Pakistan and Afghanistan border conflict as of April 2026?
Pakistan reports that 331 Afghan Taliban forces have died, while Afghan officials claim 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed. These numbers reflect a major increase in violence between the two countries.
Q: What areas were hit during the Pakistan airstrikes in Afghanistan last weekend?
The Pakistani air force targeted military sites in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. These strikes were a response to ongoing border disputes and militant activity.
Q: Is there a chance for peace between Pakistan and the Taliban government in Kabul?
Yes, the Taliban government has said they are willing to talk to stop the fighting. International groups like the UK and EU are also asking both sides to stop the violence and start negotiations.