The United States has condemned last week’s attacks in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, saying it will “stand by Pakistan’s side” in the fight against terrorism.
During a press briefing in Washington on Wednesday, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller was asked, “We heard that during the meeting between US Ambassador Donald Bloom and Secretary of State Ishaq Dar, Pakistan had asked the United States to defeat terrorist networks.” He asked for help.
The US spokesman said in response that the US strongly condemned the attacks that took place last week targeting security personnel and civilians, including the killing of 23 innocent civilians in Musa Khel.
He said that the people of Pakistan have been greatly affected by extremist terrorists.
Matthew Miller added that the US and Pakistan have common interests in dealing with threats to regional security. We will ‘stand by Pakistan’s side’ in the fight against terrorism.
It should be remembered that between 25 and 26 August, dozens of civilians and security forces personnel lost their lives in the attacks of extremists in different places of Balochistan province, while 21 militants were killed in the operation of the Pakistan Army.
The Pakistani army said in a statement that 14 security personnel lost their lives while 21 militants were killed during the retaliatory action against militants in Musakhel.
23 people were shot and killed after they were identified and taken off trucks and passenger buses in Rara Sham area of Mosikhel district of Balochistan.
During the press briefing, the spokesperson of the US State Department was also asked about the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, to which Matthew Miller said, “We will continue to enforce our sanctions against Iran.”
“We advise those considering business deals with Iran to be aware of the potential implications of these deals,” he said.
The spokesperson of the US State Department further said that ‘helping to overcome the energy shortage is a priority of the US and we are continuing to discuss energy security with the government of Pakistan.
