United States Centcom Commander General Michael Kurilla has hailed Pakistan as a “phenomenal partner” in the fight against terrorism, citing its key role in operations against Daesh-Khorasan and cooperation with the US in capturing high-value militants.
Pakistan’s Role in Global Counter-Terrorism
During a recent hearing at the US House Armed Services Committee, Gen Kurilla praised Pakistan’s efforts in combating Daesh-Khorasan, noting that Islamabad has killed dozens of militants and captured five high-value individuals through shared intelligence and joint counter-terrorism initiatives. He emphasized Pakistan’s proactive stance, calling it an “active counter-terrorism fight.”
Collaboration on Regional Security
Gen Kurilla highlighted Islamabad’s extradition of Daesh operative Mohammad Sharifullah, an Afghan national linked to the 2021 Kabul airport bombing that killed 170 Afghans and 13 US troops. Following Sharifullah’s arrest, Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, reportedly contacted the US to facilitate his extradition.
Rising Terror Threats at the Border
He acknowledged that the return of the Taliban in Afghanistan has worsened the security situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He said Daesh-Khorasan elements have been pushed into Pakistan’s tribal areas, making Islamabad’s response even more critical.
Ongoing Dialogue and Intelligence Sharing
Last month, Pakistan and the US reaffirmed their counter-terrorism cooperation during a formal dialogue, focusing on threats from groups like the TTP and Daesh-Khorasan. Gen Kurilla said the limited US intelligence provided is being effectively acted upon by Pakistan’s forces.
Strategic Partnerships in South Asia
Concluding his remarks, Gen Kurilla stressed the importance of maintaining strong ties with both Pakistan and India. “We should look at the merits of the relationship for the positives that it has,” he said, rejecting the notion of a binary choice between the two nations.
