Trump praises Pak leaders amid border war; US backs Islamabad's right to self-defense

The ongoing armed conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has escalated into what Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has declared an 'open war'. This escalation follows a series of cross-border airstrikes and retaliatory actions. Amidst this heightened tension, former US President Donald Trump has publicly praised Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir, referring to them as 'great leaders' and individuals he 'respects a lot'. Trump, when questioned about a potential US intervention, stated he would intervene but highlighted his strong relationship with Pakistan, adding that the country is 'doing terrifically well'. The US State Department has officially voiced its support for Pakistan's 'right to defend itself' against attacks from Afghanistan's Taliban rulers. A spokesperson for the State Department noted that the Taliban have consistently failed to uphold their counterterrorism commitments, thereby allowing violence to destabilize the region and providing a launchpad for terrorist attacks. The US expressed condolences for the lives lost in the recent conflict. Pakistan initiated a series of airstrikes on multiple locations within Afghanistan, including Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia province. These strikes were in retaliation for what Pakistan described as 'unprovoked firing' by the Taliban along the border. Pakistan's military launched 'Operation Ghazab lil-Haq' with the stated aim of targeting militant camps. The Pakistani government reported significant casualties among Afghan forces and militants, claiming over 330 killed and 500 wounded, alongside the destruction of numerous posts and vehicles. However, Afghanistan has disputed these figures, terming them 'false' and reporting substantially lower losses for its forces, while also claiming to have killed 55 Pakistani soldiers and captured others. Reports from the Afghan side also allege that Pakistani strikes targeted civilian areas, resulting in civilian casualties. The roots of this conflict are multifaceted, stemming from long-standing border disputes along the Durand Line, Pakistan's accusations that Afghanistan harbors anti-Pakistan militants (particularly the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP), and a cycle of retaliatory actions. Afghanistan, in turn, denies harboring militants and accuses Pakistan of deflecting blame for its own internal security issues. The conflict has led to the closure of major border crossings, impacting trade and exacerbating the humanitarian situation. Internationally, the escalation has drawn concern, with countries like China and Russia calling for restraint and offering mediation. The United Nations has also expressed deep concern over the conflict's potential to worsen the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. The evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly concerning potential US actions towards Iran, adds another layer of complexity to the regional situation. The Hindustan Times article, published on February 28, 2026, accurately reflects the statements made by Donald Trump, the US State Department, and Pakistan's Defense Minister. The claims regarding the airstrikes, the 'open war' declaration, and the praise for Pakistani leaders are corroborated by multiple credible news sources. The article's reporting on the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict and the related international reactions is consistent with the unfolding events.

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