US ready to provide assistance to Afghanistan and Pakistan: White House

WASHINGTON: Offering deepest condolences to those hit by a major earthquake in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the US today said it is ready to provide any kind of assistance to the two countries.

"We offer our deepest condolences to those who have been affected by the earthquake in Afghanistan and Pakistan," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters at his daily news conference.

"We stand ready to provide any assistance that is needed," Earnest said.

US officials said it has not received request for any kind of assistance from Pakistan.

Pentagon said it is conducting ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) operations in Badakhshan province of Afghanistan to look into the areas damaged by the earthquake.