US State Dept Says Afghan Govt Should Prevent Attacks From It’s Soil

In response to recent airstrikes conducted by Pakistan in Afghanistan targeting Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) hideouts, the United States issued a comprehensive statement on Tuesday, urging both the interim Afghan government and Islamabad to prioritize the prevention of terrorist activities while ensuring the safety of civilian lives during security operations.

Expressing profound regret for the loss of life and injustices endured during the attack in Pakistan, as well as civilian casualties resulting from the strike in Afghanistan, Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel from the State Department emphasized the need for proactive measures. Patel stressed the importance of the Taliban’s commitment to preventing terrorist attacks originating from Afghan soil and called upon Pakistan to exercise restraint in its counterterrorism efforts, emphasizing the protection of civilians. Additionally, he urged both parties to address any existing differences through diplomatic channels.

The State Department’s statement follows recent intelligence-based operations (IBOs) carried out by Pakistani forces within Afghan border regions in response to terrorist activities originating from Afghan territory, particularly after the tragic attack on March 16 in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan, which resulted in the martyrdom of several Pakistani soldiers.

Meanwhile, the Afghan Taliban reported casualties resulting from Pakistani airstrikes within Afghanistan, further escalating tensions between the neighboring nations.

Patel reiterated the United States’ unwavering commitment to preventing Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorists, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to combat terrorism.

Regarding the Pakistani strikes in Afghanistan, Patel emphasized the distress caused by any loss of civilian life and stressed the necessity of holding perpetrators accountable while minimizing collateral damage.

The United States, Patel noted, maintains regular communication with Pakistani leaders, engaging in comprehensive discussions on Afghanistan, including through counterterrorism dialogues and bilateral consultations.

In response to Pakistan’s actions, the Foreign Office released a detailed statement, highlighting Islamabad’s persistent efforts to address concerns regarding the presence of terrorist organizations, including TTP, within Afghanistan. Pakistan reiterated its commitment to Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while urging Afghan authorities to take concrete steps to prevent the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities targeting Pakistan.

Despite recognizing the challenges faced by Afghan authorities in combating TTP, Pakistan called upon elements within the Afghan government to reconsider their support for terrorist organizations and instead stand with the people of Pakistan in combating terrorism.

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