US lauds Pakistan’s fight against terror, condemns loss of lives in ‘barbaric’ attacks

'US applauds Pakistan’s successes to contain terrorism'

The United States has commended Pakistan for its ongoing efforts and "continued success" in combating terrorist groups at both regional and global levels. Washington also extended condolences for the lives lost in recent terror attacks across Pakistan.

During the recent  Pakistan-US Counter-Terrorism Dialogue held in Islamabad, both countries released a joint statement.

"The United States applauded Pakistan's continued successes to contain terrorist entities that pose a threat to the peace and security of the region and the world," the joint statement, shared by Pakistan's foreign ministry, said.

"Furthermore, the United States expressed condolences for the loss of civilians and members of law enforcement agencies in terrorist incidents in Pakistan, including the barbaric Jaffar Express terrorist attack and the bombing of a school bus in Khuzdar," it added.

This development follows the recent designation by the United States of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and its affiliate, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs).

The BLA, already classified as a terrorist group by both the US and Pakistan, has led a prolonged insurgency aimed at securing independence for Balochistan, a province rich in natural resources.

The United States initially listed the BLA as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entity in 2019 after a series of violent attacks. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in a press release, “Since 2019, BLA has claimed responsibility for additional attacks, including by the Majeed Brigade.”

This recent designation underscores Washington’s heightened concern over the group's continued involvement in acts of terrorism.