KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The European Union has called for an immediate de-escalation following a sharp rise in cross-border violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan, warning that the situation could have serious regional consequences.
In a statement on Saturday (February 28), issued by the High Representative on behalf of the EU, the bloc urged “all actors” to halt hostilities after reported cross-border attacks and airstrikes over the past 24 hours. The EU reiterated that Afghan territory “must not be used to threaten or attack other countries” and called on the Afghan de facto authorities to take effective action against all armed groups operating in or from Afghanistan.
The statement also stressed that international law, including humanitarian law, must be fully respected by all sides. The EU underlined the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and to take all feasible precautions to prevent further harm.
Regional reactions
The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over the fighting and called for restraint. In a statement, the UAE emphasised the importance of prioritising wisdom and diplomatic solutions to resolve disputes, saying such efforts are essential to strengthening security and stability in South Asia. The UAE also voiced support for initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue and building trust between the two sides.
Saudi Arabia has also stepped in diplomatically. According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud held a phone call with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, stressing the importance of reducing violence and resolving disputes through diplomatic means. Riyadh expressed hope that all parties would remain committed to mutual respect, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Saudi Arabia has previously played a mediating role during earlier tensions between the two sides.
Iran also offered to facilitate dialogue. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran said it was deeply concerned about the escalation and its humanitarian and security consequences. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called on both sides to immediately begin dialogue and announced Tehran’s readiness to assist efforts aimed at ending the fighting and reducing tensions.
China voiced similar concerns. Speaking at a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing was deeply worried about the escalation and the casualties resulting from the clashes. She urged both sides to exercise restraint, resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation, and bring the fighting to an end as soon as possible. China also called on both parties to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and projects in the region.
In the United Kingdom, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said London was “deeply concerned” by the significant escalation of tensions. Writing on X, she urged both sides to take immediate steps to reduce tensions, prevent further harm to civilians and return to dialogue.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s upper house, the Senate of Pakistan, passed a unanimous resolution condemning Taliban attacks on Pakistani border posts as “unprovoked aggression.” According to reports in Pakistani media, the resolution called on the Taliban to cease hostile actions and prevent Afghan territory from being used for terrorism or aggression against Pakistan. It warned that any attempt to challenge Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity or national security would be met with a firm and proportionate response.
The resolution, reportedly introduced by Senator Sherry Rehman, also stated that while Pakistan remains committed to constructive engagement and regional peace, its restraint should not be misinterpreted as weakness.
Despite the growing number of international appeals for calm, fighting along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border has continued into a second night. Pakistani forces have reported ongoing strikes against Taliban positions, while Taliban officials have accused Pakistan of violating Afghan airspace and targeting multiple provinces, resulting in civilian casualties.
The United States has also responded to the escalating violence between the Taliban and Pakistan, saying it is closely monitoring developments.
In a statement issued on Friday, the United States Embassy in Afghanistan said it was aware of the sharp increase in hostilities and urged US citizens not to travel to Afghanistan. The embassy advised Americans currently in the country to leave as soon as possible.
It further recommended that those unable to depart by air consider exiting via land borders with Tajikistan or Uzbekistan. The embassy warned US citizens to avoid areas near the Pakistan border and advised against attempting to leave Afghanistan through Iran.
The latest round of fighting began overnight after Taliban forces carried out what they described as retaliatory attacks on Pakistani border posts. In response, Pakistan launched airstrikes on targets in Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia and other provinces.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said the group had repeatedly stressed its desire for a peaceful resolution with Pakistan and continues to favour dialogue. Speaking at a press conference in Kandahar on Friday, he accused Pakistan of ignoring ceasefire efforts and repeatedly violating Afghan airspace.
Mujahid said that following what he called a “retaliatory operation” against Pakistani border posts, Pakistani forces carried out airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia despite what he described as a halt in fighting. He claimed the strikes caused no casualties but said they constituted a violation of Afghan sovereignty.
He added that the Taliban’s Ministry of Defense had been instructed to target Pakistani military centers in Islamabad, Nowshera, Jamrud and Abbottabad in response. Pakistan has confirmed drone-related incidents in Abbottabad, Nowshera and Swabi, but attributed them to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), not the Afghan Taliban.
The escalation has drawn widespread regional concern, with multiple countries urging both sides to avoid further confrontation and resolve their disputes through diplomacy and dialogue.
Regional and international actors continue to call for an immediate ceasefire and renewed diplomatic engagement to prevent further instability.
