US wants Pakistan to take action against militants, terror groups

WASHINGTON: Asserting that countries in the region must work to end safe havens for militants, the US today hoped that Pakistan will take action against militant and terrorist groups that operate from its territory.

"We believe Pakistan is committed to taking action against militant and terrorist groups that operate from its territory," State Department Spokesman John Kirby said.

He said Pakistan's ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas have reduced the ability of some militant groups to use its territory as a safe haven for terrorism, and as a base of support for the insurgency in Afghanistan.

Kirby said Pakistan army chief Gen Raheel Sharif's renewed commitment to countering violent extremism in Pakistan is important in light of President Barack Obama's decision to revise the US force posture in Afghanistan.

"All countries in the region must work to end safe havens for militants and terrorists to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan and in the region more broadly," Kirby said.

In a recent op-ed in US News Congressman Poe had questioned Pakistan's sincerity in the war against terrorism.