The United States has strongly condemned the recent rise in terrorist attacks in Pakistan, including the abduction of seven policemen in Bannu and an ambush on a military convoy near the Afghan border.
US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed solidarity with Pakistan during a press briefing, acknowledging the country’s ongoing battle against terrorism. He offered condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirmed the US’s commitment to counterterrorism cooperation.
“We condemn these and all terrorist attacks,” Miller stated, underscoring the significant impact terrorism has had on the Pakistani population. He reiterated that the US remains committed to working alongside Pakistan’s government and institutions to address militant threats.
Miller highlighted the continued counterterrorism partnership, which involves high-level dialogues aimed at enhancing both civilian and military capabilities in Pakistan to combat terrorism effectively. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s ability to detect, prevent, and respond to such threats.
When asked about militant hideouts in Afghanistan, Miller refrained from commenting on specific actions but stressed the necessity of bilateral efforts to tackle cross-border terrorism.
The recent abduction in Bannu, where armed men took control of the Rocha check post, highlights the growing security concerns in Pakistan’s northwestern region. District Police Officer Ziauddin confirmed that the kidnapped policemen were freed through the intervention of a tribal jirga, without any ransom or conditions.
Pakistan has experienced a sharp increase in attacks targeting law enforcement, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. A report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) showed a 90% rise in fatalities due to terrorist violence and counterterrorism operations in the third quarter of 2024.
The US reiterated the importance of its counterterrorism partnership with Pakistan, stressing the role of regular high-level dialogues in addressing these ongoing challenges.
