The United States says Pakistan has a right to defend itself against the Afghan Taliban

The United States government stated it supports Pakistan's 'right to defend itself' against the Afghan Taliban. This follows reports of Pakistan conducting airstrikes on targets in Kabul and Kandahar, which the Afghan Taliban government says it is now open to talks about.

In response to the conflict, the Taliban released three Pakistani soldiers in a move mediated by Saudi Arabia. Pakistani politicians have expressed unity in what they call a response to 'unprovoked Afghan Taliban aggression'.