RASC News Agency: The U.S. State Department has confirmed that Washington and Islamabad are collaborating to address security threats stemming from Afghanistan. Characterizing Afghanistan as a “terrorist haven and a source of significant threats,” the United States reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Pakistan to mitigate these dangers. The State Department emphasized that both nations are actively enhancing their military and civilian capacities to identify and neutralize escalating threats emanating from Afghanistan territory.
Previously, Pakistan had accused the Afghanistani Taliban of harboring and supporting its adversaries, including the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistani officials have asserted that Afghanistan has become a sanctuary for terrorism, with numerous militant groups operating within its borders, some allegedly with the backing of the Taliban. Concerns in Islamabad have heightened as threats from Afghanistan have increased in recent months. This apprehension has been fueled by a series of violent incidents near the Durand Line. In one notable case, seven Pakistani soldiers were abducted in the Bannu district. Explosions and targeted attacks in areas bordering Afghanistan have further strained relations between the two neighbors.
In response to these mounting security challenges, Pakistan recently announced a “comprehensive military operation” in its restive Balochistan province, aimed at curbing militant activities. Addressing queries about whether these security incidents are tied to the Taliban’s governance in Afghanistan, a U.S. State Department spokesperson reiterated Washington’s commitment to bilateral collaboration with Pakistan. “We remain deeply engaged in a robust counterterrorism partnership with the Government of Pakistan,” the spokesperson stated. “This includes ongoing high-level discussions and working-level consultations aimed at enhancing civilian and military capabilities to effectively identify and confront these threats.”
Pakistan continues to accuse the Afghanistani Taliban of directly supporting its enemies. Moreover, United Nations reports corroborate Islamabad’s concerns, confirming the presence of several terrorist organizations, including Al-Qaeda and the TTP, operating within Afghanistan under the Taliban’s rule.
