Washington, Updated at 08:45 AM Feb 28, 2026 IST
US President Donald Trump said Friday that he has a “very good relationship” with Pakistan and described the country as “doing terrifically well” when asked about possible U.S. intervention in the escalating clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He said he would consider intervening but emphasized he gets along “very very well” with Pakistan, and he singled out Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir as people he respects.
Tensions have surged between Kabul and Islamabad, with both sides accusing the other of retaliatory strikes and raising concerns about a broader military confrontation. Islamabad declared “open war” on Kabul after carrying out airstrikes in parts of Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia.
U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker conveyed condolences to Pakistan for lives lost and reiterated Washington’s support for Pakistan’s right to defend itself. In a post on X, Hooker said she had spoken with Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Baloch, expressed sympathy for those killed in the recent fighting with the Taliban, and said the U.S. is monitoring the situation closely while supporting Pakistan’s right to self-defense against Taliban attacks.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar told Tolo News that Afghan forces had carried out drone attacks on Abbottabad, Swabi and Nowshera. He said Pakistan’s anti-drone systems intercepted and brought down the drones and that there were no casualties. As border clashes intensified, Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior issued a nationwide ban on all drone operations, prohibiting commercial and privately operated drones across the country, according to Geo News.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defence said its air force struck multiple military targets inside Pakistan on Friday at around 11:00 a.m. local time. The ministry listed targets including a military camp near Faizabad in Islamabad, a military headquarters in Nowshera, the military township of Jamrud, and Abbottabad. Officials quoted by Tolo News said the operation successfully hit key bases and facilities of the Pakistani army and was carried out in retaliation for alleged “aerial incursions” by Pakistani military forces.
The exchanges have left regional observers warning of further escalation as both sides bolster defenses and international actors, including the United States, monitor developments closely.
