Following attacks on security personnel in Pakistan, the US State Department on Tuesday urged the Afghan Taliban to ensure that the terrorist attacks are not launched from their soil.
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said this in response to a query seeking his comments on a recent terrorist attack in which seven people, including two security forces personnel and five civilians, including children, were martyred in Dera Ismail Khan.
Addressing a news briefing, Miller said: “We do continue to urge the Taliban to ensure that terrorist attacks are not launched from the Afghan soil.”
The spokesperson said that it had been a priority for the US in engagements with them, and it continues to be.
He reiterated that the Pakistani people have suffered greatly at the hands of violent extremists and terrorists.
“We have a shared interest with the Pakistani people and the government of Pakistan in combating threats to regional security.”
Meanwhile, Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder expressed condolences to the bereaved families of those soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
Responding to a question during a press briefing, Ryder said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those soldiers that were lost.”
“Pakistan is in a tough fight at times when it comes to fighting terrorists in the region. And so, certainly saddened to — to hear that.”
He further said that the US and Pakistan have worked together in the past, and “we continue to discuss ways that we can work together”.
To another query about Pakistan’s demand for modern American weapons to deal with the situation, the spokesperson said: “I don’t have anything to announce.”
“We do maintain a — a security cooperation relationship with Pakistan. And so, I’m — I’m sure that those discussions are happening via those mechanisms to look at Pakistan’s requirements and — and what the US can do to support,” he added.
