Will Work With Pakistan To Counter Terror Threats, Says US

In response to Pakistan's security concerns from Afghan soil, the US State Department spokesperson, Mathew Miller said that Washington is cooperating with Islamabad in strengthening its capabilities to counter the threats of terrorist groups.

Miller said that the United States has an important bilateral partnership in the field of counterterrorism with the government of Pakistan.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, November 19, the US State Department spokesperson condemned the recent militant attacks near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border that killed seven Pakistani soldiers.

"The people of Pakistan have suffered immensely at the hands of terrorists and violent extremists, and our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been killed or injured in recent attacks, including the November 9 suicide attack in Quetta," Miller said.

Miller also said that the US is committed to working with Pakistani government leaders and civil society organisations to identify opportunities to strengthen capabilities to identify, prevent and respond to threats posed by "extremist terrorist groups”.

Asked why the United States is not taking any action against terrorist groups based in Afghanistan, the State Department spokesperson said, "We have an important bilateral partnership with Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, which includes regular dialogues and working consultations to strengthen capabilities in identifying and countering threats."

Earlier, the US State Department accused the Taliban of violating the provisions of the Doha Agreement, saying that the group has provided shelter to some terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda leaders.

Matthew Miller said that Washington holds the Taliban accountable for the increase in the activity of terrorist groups in Afghanistan.
The Taliban has repeatedly denied harbouring terrorist groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and threats emanating from Afghan soil against other countries, especially Pakistan.