WASHINGTON – The United States on Wednesday signaled a commitment to help Pakistan against the re-emergence of terrorism while announcing action against terror groups sheltered in Afghanistan.
US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price made these remarks during a press briefing, saying Taliban-ruled Afghanistan may become a haven for militants for another time, days after IS attacked Pakistan’s embassy in Kabul.
Mr. Price said the interim government in a war-torn nation failed to live up to its commitments in counterterrorism while hinting at US interference if the Taliban failed to control militant groups.
Recalling the recent death of Al-Qaida chief, Ayman al-Zawahiri, the US official said Washington has counterterrorism capabilities in the region which was demonstrated in recent months with the killing of Zawahiri.
The US will take action in a way that protects our interests, he said, reiterating that their broader goal is to ensure that terrorists and others aren’t able to use Kabul as a launch pad for attacks on Pakistan.
He called Pakistan a key partner in a number of respects when asked about security cooperation with the South Asian nation.
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He further mentioned that Islamabad receives grant assistance from the International Military Education and Training programme that according to him strengthens the country’s own abilities to counter threats.
