European Union leaders today called on the parties to reduce tensions and stop hostilities that erupted this week between Afghanistan and Pakistan, warning that escalation could have "serious consequences for the region."
A statement on behalf of the 27 member states, signed by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, stresses that Afghan territory “must not be used” to threaten other countries or as a base for launching attacks. Brussels calls on the de facto Taliban government to take “effective action against all terrorist organizations” operating on Afghan territory or using it for attacks abroad. “We urge both parties to engage in dialogue,” the statement says, recalling the obligation to respect international law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The latest escalation
The EU intervention comes after fierce clashes between the Afghan Taliban and Pakistani forces in recent days. Afghan militants reportedly attacked Pakistani military units, while Islamabad responded with airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar and other strategic areas. Both sides report dozens, if not hundreds, of casualties. The Pakistani Defense Minister spoke of an “open war” against the Taliban.
A protracted conflict
Afghanistan and Pakistan, once close allies, have been embroiled in repeated clashes since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in August 2021. Islamabad accuses the de facto Afghan authorities of harboring armed groups that carry out attacks on Pakistani territory, a charge that Kabul denies.
A ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey on October 19 collapsed after just nine days, after Pakistan again accused Kabul of supporting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan group. Despite previous diplomatic efforts, tensions between the two countries remain high, with the international community fearing further destabilization of the region.
