NewKerala.com

US Backs Pakistan's Right to Self-Defense, Taliban Told to Curb Terror

The United States stated that Pakistan has a right to defend itself from terrorism following airstrikes on militant camps along the Afghanistan border. Washington simultaneously directed a clear message to the Taliban, urging them to uphold their counterterrorism commitments to prevent attacks from Afghan soil. India strongly condemned the Pakistani strikes, highlighting reported civilian casualties and calling it an attempt by Pakistan to externalize its internal failures. New Delhi reiterated its support for Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Key Points: US on Pakistan Strikes in Afghanistan: Right to Defend

  • US affirms Pakistan's right to counter-terrorism
  • Strikes targeted TTP and ISIS-K camps
  • US tells Taliban to uphold counter-terror pledges
  • India condemns strikes, cites civilian casualties
  • Pakistan accused of externalizing internal failures
2 min read

Pakistan has right to protect itself from terrorism: US

US says Pakistan has right to protect itself from terror but urges Taliban to uphold commitments. India condemns strikes, cites civilian casualties.

"Pakistan has a right to protect itself from terrorism. - US State Department Spokesperson"

Washington, Feb 24

Pakistan has a right to protect itself from terrorism, the US said on Monday after Islamabad carried out strikes against alleged militant camps along the Afghanistan border.

"Pakistan has a right to protect itself from terrorism," a State Department spokesperson told IANS in response to a question on the airstrikes inside Afghanistan.

"We are aware of reports that Pakistan carried out strikes against alleged Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) camps along the border with Afghanistan," the spokesperson said.

"The Pakistani people have suffered greatly at the hands of terrorists," said the spokesperson in response to a question.

At the same time, the United States directed a clear message to Afghanistan's Taliban authorities.

"The Taliban must uphold their counterterrorism commitments and ensure that terrorist attacks are not launched from Afghan soil," the spokesperson said.

Pakistan said over the weekend it targeted camps linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and affiliates of the Islamic State group in the border region, killing 70 militants.

Islamabad has long maintained that TTP fighters operate from across the frontier and stage attacks inside Pakistan.

India, on Sunday, strongly criticised Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghan territory that reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, and reiterated its support for Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.

Responding to media queries on the issue, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal conveyed India's condemnation of the strikes and expressed concern over the reported loss of civilian lives during the holy month of Ramadan.

"India strongly condemns Pakistan's airstrikes on Afghan territory that have resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan," MEA spokesperson Jaiswal said.

He also described the development as an attempt by Pakistan to shift attention from its internal situation.

"It is another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures," the MEA spokesperson said.

Reaffirming India's position on Afghanistan, MEA spokesperson Jaiswal said New Delhi remains committed to supporting the country's sovereignty and independence.

"India reiterates its support for Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence," he added.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Very sad to hear about civilian casualties, especially during Ramadan. No country's fight against terrorism should come at the cost of innocent lives. India's concern for the Afghan people is commendable.
V
Vikram M
Pakistan created these monsters, now they are coming home to roost. The US helped create this mess too. India is right to call out this hypocrisy and stand with Afghanistan. The whole region suffers because of this.
S
Sarah B
From an outside perspective, it's a complex situation. But India's response focusing on sovereignty and civilian lives seems measured and correct. The US stance appears contradictory.
R
Rohit P
Classic case of the pot calling the kettle black. Pakistan harbours terrorists against India for decades, but cries victim when it happens to them. Karma is a... well, you know. Our government's statement is perfect.
K
Karthik V
While I agree with India's official position, we must also be careful. This instability on our western border is not good for regional security. Hope our agencies are on high alert.
M
Michael C
The US spokesperson's words feel empty after the withdrawal from Afghanistan. They left a vacuum. Now they're giving Pakistan

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50