America to Collaborate with Pakistan to Combat Terrorism

The United States has affirmed that the recent airstrikes targeting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are decisions made independently by Pakistan. During a White House press briefing, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that Pakistan’s approach to addressing its domestic security issues is a matter of its sovereignty.

Key Points:

• Pakistan’s Sovereignty: The U.S. respects Pakistan’s autonomy in making security decisions and acknowledges the independent nature of the airstrikes against the TTP.
• Suffering from Terrorism: Miller highlighted the significant suffering of the Pakistani people due to terrorist activities and emphasized the U.S.’s understanding of these challenges.
• U.S. Position on Taliban: The U.S. does not support or fund the Taliban. Miller referred to a United Nations report criticizing the Taliban’s treatment of women in Afghanistan, underscoring the human rights violations under their regime.

U.S. Monitoring:

• Human Rights in Afghanistan: The U.S. is closely monitoring the Taliban’s actions, particularly regarding women’s rights and moral policing.
• International Commitments: Miller expressed hope that the Taliban would adhere to their commitments to the Afghan people and the international community, noting that the Taliban’s international relations depend on their actions.

U.S.-Pakistan Security Cooperation:

• Common Interests: The U.S. and Pakistan share a common interest in combating regional security threats, maintaining regular dialogue to enhance Pakistan’s military capabilities.
• Support for Journalists: Miller reiterated U.S. support for journalists worldwide, emphasizing the importance of press freedom.

Pentagon Statement:

• Independent Decisions: Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder confirmed that the airstrikes on the TTP are based on Pakistan’s independent decisions.
• Security Cooperation: Ryder acknowledged the longstanding security cooperation between the U.S. and Pakistan and affirmed the continuation of efforts to combat regional terrorism. However, he refrained from commenting on internal Pakistani decisions or potential intelligence operations.

The U.S. stance highlights its respect for Pakistan’s sovereignty while maintaining a collaborative approach to regional security challenges. The ongoing dialogue and support underscore the strategic partnership between the two nations.