Pakistan has been ‘phenomenal partner’ in anti-terrorism efforts: US military commander

A top US military commander, Army Gen Michael E Kurilla, commander of US Central Command, has testified before the House Armed Services Committee in Washington DC, describing Pakistan as a “phenomenal partner” in anti-terrorism operations. Gen Kurilla emphasised the need for the US to maintain relationships with both India and Pakistan, stating, “I do not believe it is a binary switch that we can’t have one with Pakistan if we have a relationship with India.”

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During his testimony on June 10, Gen Kurilla praised the Pakistani military and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir for their efforts in combating ISIS-Khorasan. He noted that Pakistan has been actively engaged in counterterrorism efforts, killing dozens of ISIS-K militants and capturing at least five high-value individuals. Gen Kurilla also highlighted Pakistan’s extradition of Mohammad Sharifullah, alias Jafar, a key individual behind the Kabul airport suicide attack in August 2021 that killed 13 American military personnel.

Gen Kurilla commended Field Marshal Munir’s proactive approach, stating that the Army Chief had personally informed him of Jafar’s capture and expressed willingness to extradite him to the US. The US commander also revealed that Pakistan had faced significant terrorist threats, with over 1,000 attacks resulting in the deaths of approximately 700 security personnel and 2,500 civilians since the start of 2024.

Gen Kurilla’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with India recently highlighting Pakistan’s alleged support for cross-border terrorism following the Pahalgam terror attack in April. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasised at a press conference in Brussels that India's conflict is with “Terroristan”.