United States Department of Defence condemns the terrorist attacks in Balochistan. The statement comes days after Balochistan was rocked with multiple attacks across the province, simultaneously. The attacks left dozens of civilians and security personnel martyred.
Responding to a question regarding Washington’s support to Islamabad in dealing with such terrorist groups, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said she was not aware of any US involvement or assistance to Pakistan at this time.
“But if that changes, I can certainly let you know,” she maintained.
“We strongly condemn any terrorist attack like that and of course, our thoughts are with those who lost their lives during that attack, but I don’t have anything beyond that,” said Singh, addressing a press briefing at the Pentagon on Thursday.
In response to the question of whether the US can help Pakistan root out terrorism from its soil, she said that the US is always ready to help any nation seeking to tackle terrorism.
“We have good cooperation with the Pakistani government. But in terms of these attacks, I just — I don’t have anything for you other than that we, of course, condemn them,” said Singh.
Last week, 23 passengers were offloaded and killed and several vehicles were set ablaze in the Musakhel area of Balochistan.
Read more: 23 passengers offloaded and killed in Balochistan by terrorists
Senior Superintendent Police Ayub Achakzai informed the media that terrorists blocked the inter-provincial highway and offloaded passengers from vehicles. Police and levies reached the point of the incident and shifted the bodies to the hospital.
Spokesman Balochistan Government Shahid Rind informed that terrorists attacked on 2-3 fronts, however, they faced a strong response from the armed forces. He added that the terrorists took advantage of the dark and offloaded the passengers.
Underscoring the provincial government’s resolve to address the law and order issue, Rind said that Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti had summoned a meeting wherein “important decisions” would be made.
“To find a way out of this situation, a wholesome approach is required by any political government or security forces, and support is needed from all schools of thought,” he said. A gun attack was also reported in Kalat.