Pakistan carried out its most extensive airstrikes in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained power in 2021.
The United Arab Emirates voiced concern over the renewed military clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, following its call for de-escalation and urging all parties to avoid actions that could worsen regional tensions.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) highlighted the need to prioritize reason and wisdom, stressing the importance of using diplomatic channels to resolve disputes and strengthen security and stability in South Asia.
It also reaffirmed the UAE’s support for initiatives that promote dialogue and foster mutual confidence, aiming to meet the aspirations of both nations’ peoples for peace and development.
Pakistan bombed major cities in Afghanistan and declared a state of “war” with its neighbor on Friday, drawing diplomatic backing from Washington but raising concern across much of the international community.
The strikes, launched in retaliation for a cross-border Afghan offensive on Thursday night, targeted 29 locations across Afghanistan, according to Pakistani authorities.
In response to the surge in hostilities, Britain, the United Nations, and the International Committee of the Red Cross called for immediate de-escalation, while diplomats from China, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar initiated efforts to calm tensions.
The United States expressed support for Pakistan’s right to defend itself against Taliban attacks, Allison Hooker, under secretary of state for political affairs, wrote on X following talks with a Pakistani counterpart.
The operation marked Pakistan’s most extensive bombardment of Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, striking key areas including Kandahar, the Taliban’s southern stronghold, as well as the Afghan capital.
The escalation followed Afghan forces’ attack on Pakistani border troops on Thursday night, itself a response to earlier strikes by Islamabad, with both sides claiming to have inflicted significant casualties.
