US President Donald Trump pledged to address the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan upon his return from the Middle East, declaring himself “good at solving wars.”
Speaking aboard Air Force One while en route to Israel, Trump said he had already resolved multiple long-standing conflicts around the world, adding that the recently brokered Gaza ceasefire would be “the eighth war” he had helped end.
“This will be my eighth war that I have solved, and I hear there is a war now going on between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” Trump told reporters. “I said, I’ll have to wait till I get back. I’m doing another one. Because I am good at solving wars.”
Citing past examples, the former president claimed he had previously mediated between India and Pakistan by leveraging economic pressure.
“I settled a few of the wars just based on tariffs,” Trump said. “For example, between India and Pakistan, I said if you guys want to fight a war and you have nuclear weapons, I am going to put big tariffs on you both—100, 150, 200 per cent—and I had that thing settled in 24 hours.”
He further added that his decisions were driven not by recognition but by a desire to “save lives.”
“In all fairness to the Nobel committee, it was for 2024,” he remarked. “But I didn’t do this for the Nobel. I did this to save lives.”
Trump heads to Israel, Egypt for Gaza summit
Trump is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Monday to address the Knesset before traveling to Egypt’s Sharm El Sheikh for a world leaders’ summit focused on ending the Gaza war. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is also expected to attend, according to Axios.
His envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner recently addressed a rally in Tel Aviv, urging the release of hostages and welcoming what was described as a “first-phase ceasefire agreement” mediated by the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.
“For two years we have waited for this moment,” said demonstrator Dalia Yosef. “We are happy for the families, for the hostages that finally they will be home.”
Pakistan-Afghanistan border escalation intensifies
Meanwhile, Pakistan confirmed the deaths of more than 200 Taliban and affiliated militants following retaliatory strikes against unprovoked Afghan attacks along the Pak-Afghan border.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the enemy’s offensive—carried out “in collusion with India”—aimed to destabilize the border regions. Pakistani forces responded with “timely and decisive action,” repelling the attackers and inflicting significant losses.
ISPR reported that 21 Afghan hideouts were captured and destroyed, while more than 200 Taliban fighters were killed and several others wounded.
23 Pakistani Soldiers Martyred in Clashes
The military confirmed that 23 Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom during the confrontations, while 29 others sustained injuries. The ISPR reiterated that “special measures” were taken to protect civilians during counter-operations.
“Pakistan will continue its strikes until all terrorist sanctuaries on Afghan soil are dismantled,” the statement warned, demanding Kabul take “verifiable action” against groups sheltering on its territory.
Major Taliban camps destroyed in retaliation
Security sources confirmed that Pakistani forces used tanks, artillery, drones, and air power to neutralize enemy strongholds across key border areas, including Badini, Kharlachi, Angor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, and Chitral.
Major Taliban facilities such as Manojba Camp Battalion Headquarters, Kharcher Fort, Durrani Camp, and Turkmanzai Top were destroyed, along with several posts like Jandosar and Shaheedan.
In Spin Boldak, one of the largest anti-Pakistan hubs—Asmatullah Karar Camp—was reduced to rubble. The Barikot Camp near the Chitral border and Shipola Hala Post in Kurram were also destroyed, according to ISPR.
Unverified footage circulating online showed Pakistani troops seizing 19 Afghan posts previously used for attacks on Pakistani territory.
The Afghan Taliban’s Defense Ministry initially claimed its forces had retaliated following a Pakistani airstrike in Kabul. However, after suffering heavy casualties, the ministry announced a cessation of hostilities by midnight.
Sources said several destroyed Afghan bases had been harboring ISIS and Fitna al-Khawarij operatives, corroborating Pakistan’s claim about the presence of terrorist elements across the border.
