Amid the backdrop of TTP ending its ceasefire with Pakistani, the US has offered to help Pakistan in dealing with the threats posed by the militant outfits. The US also offered to help India and Pakistan in resolving their differences.
According to the details, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price while addressing a press briefing said that the US is closely following reports that militants have seized control of the counterterrorism center in Bannu.
“We offer our deepest sympathies to those injured,” Ned Price said and urged those responsible for the attack to cease all acts of violence, to safely release those who remain hostage, and to end the seizure of the counterterrorism center.”
Read more: Pakistan reserves right for cross-border action against TTP: Bilawal
Earlier, at least one Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) official was martyred while several were injured after TTP militants took over a CTD compound and held officials hostage in Bannu.
A suicide attack targeting security forces took place near the Tal bridge in North Waziristan. The terrorist attack on CTD in Bannu cantt is yet to end. Pakhtunkhwa is under attack and there is no sense of alarm and urgency in the mainstream about it.
— Mohsin Dawar (@mjdawar) December 19, 2022
“We have partnered with our Pakistani friends to take on — to help them take on this challenge. We stand ready to assist, whether with this unfolding situation or more broadly,” Ned Price said.
Don’t want war of words between India & Pakistan: US
Meanwhile, the US also offered to assist India and Pakistan in resolving their differences, reminding them that they were key global partners and that America would like to continue ‘valuable partnerships’ with both.
“The fact that we have partnerships with both countries makes us – of course, leaves us not wanting to see a war of words between India and Pakistan. We would like to see constructive dialogue between India and Pakistan. We think that is for the betterment of the Pakistani people, for the Indian people,” Ned Price said.
“There is much work that we can do together bilaterally. There are differences that, of course, need to be addressed between India and Pakistan. The United States stands ready to assist as a partner to both,” he further added.
Last week, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto and India’s Minister of Foreign Affairs S. Jaishankar engaged in a war of words. S. Jaishankar accused Pakistan of perpetuating terrorism and sheltering Osama bin Laden. FM Bilawal responded by calling Indian Prime Minister Modi the “butcher of Gujrat”. The remark sparked protests across India by BJP.
Read more: Watch: FM Bilawal Bhutto gives befitting response to India at UN presser