U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday voiced strong praise for Pakistan while responding to questions about the rapidly escalating military confrontation between Islamabad and Kabul.
When asked whether the United States would consider intervening to help defuse tensions, Trump underscored his close rapport with Pakistan’s leadership. “I would (intervene). But I get along with Pakistan very, very well. 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,” he said, signalling confidence in Islamabad’s current leadership.
Conflict Intensifies Between Neighbours
Trump’s remarks come as hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan have intensified sharply, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. Both governments have accused each other of launching retaliatory strikes in recent days.
Islamabad described the situation as an “open war” after carrying out airstrikes in parts of Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia, marking a significant escalation in cross-border military action. Pakistan’s Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, alleged that Afghanistan had launched drone attacks targeting Abbottabad, Swabi and Nowshera. According to Pakistani authorities, anti-drone systems intercepted the incoming aircraft, and no casualties were reported.
In response to the deteriorating security environment, Pakistan imposed a nationwide ban on commercial and privately operated drones. The Interior Ministry issued a formal notification enforcing the prohibition amid rising border tensions, according to local media reports.
Kabul Claims Retaliatory Strikes
Afghanistan, for its part, stated that its air force conducted strikes on multiple military targets inside Pakistan. The Afghan Ministry of Defence said operations targeted key installations, including a military camp near Faizabad in Islamabad, a headquarters facility in Nowshera, the military township of Jamrud, and Abbottabad.
Afghan officials described the strikes as retaliatory measures in response to what they termed Pakistani “aerial incursions,” which Kabul claims resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children. Islamabad has rejected those allegations, maintaining that its operations were directed exclusively at militant targets.
Most Serious Confrontation in Years
Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Mohammad Asif, characterised the situation as the most serious armed confrontation between the two countries in years, following a Qatari-mediated ceasefire in October.
The latest escalation follows a cycle of cross-border attacks that have reignited tensions along the long-disputed Durand Line frontier. Pakistan has blamed the militant group Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for a surge in violence within its territory and has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of providing sanctuary to the group — an allegation Kabul denies.
The renewed hostilities have triggered international concern that sustained instability could create space for militant organisations to regroup and expand their influence, further destabilising an already fragile region.
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