US State Department declared it supports Pakistan’s “right to defend itself” against attacks from the Taliban — which Washington designates as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group. The US said it is aware of the escalating fighting and expressed sorrow over the loss of life. But the message was unmistakable. Pakistan launched airstrikes across the Afghan border targeting Taliban militants, triggering retaliatory attacks. Both sides report heavy losses, raising fears of a broader regional escalation. With Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities and the Taliban’s guerrilla tactics, South Asia teeters on the edge of a dangerous conflict. Watch