Pak valuable ally in terror fight: US Centcom chief Michael Kurilla

New Delhi: In remarks that have raised eyebrows, the US Central Command chief has highlighted Pakistan's "value as a partner" in countering terrorism and made a case for increasing cooperation with the country to take on terror outfits. The General also said Pakistan has a 'phenomenal partnership' with Taliban in going after ISIS operatives in tribal areas and that the US has been providing intelligence.

In a statement before the US Senate Committee on Armed Services, Gen Michael Kurilla said that ISIS-K remains active in tribal areas on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and that Pakistan's value as a partner will increase as the Taliban faces security challenges within its borders.

"The actions of our Pakistani partners that led to the arrest and extradition of Mohammad Sharifullah, the ISIS-K planner behind the 26 August 2021 suicide attack at Abbey Gate that killed 13 US service members and 160 civilians, highlights Pakistan's value as a partner in countering Central and South Asia terror external operations threats worldwide, and it will only increase as the Taliban continues to face security challenges within its borders," the officer said.


He also said that Pakistani Army Chief Gen Asim Munir called him after the arrest of the terrorist and asked him to inform the Defence Secretary and US President. Gen Kurilla has been regularly meeting Munir in the past few months

"ISIS-K has been disrupted through pressure by both the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan, though they continue to retain a significant network and freedom of manoeuvre in the tribal areas," he said.

The remarks come as India has embarked on global efforts to showcase Pakistan as a nation that supports terrorists and uses terrorism as a tool of statecraft. India has sent seven all-party delegations on a world tour to highlight Pakistan's continued support for terror outfits.