US Backs Pakistan’s Military Operations Along Afghan Border

The US State Department has reaffirmed Washington’s support for Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism, stating that the country has the right to defend itself against terrorist attacks. In a statement, the US State Department acknowledged the heavy toll terrorism has taken on Pakistan, saying the Pakistani people have endured significant suffering at the hands of militant groups. It added that the United States supports Pakistan’s right to take action in self-defence against such threats. The remarks came after the Pakistani government announced that 29 militants were killed during a series of intelligence-based operations and precision strikes conducted under Operation Ghazab lil-Haq. According to Attaullah Tarar, security forces initially carried out an intelligence-led operation in Bajaur District, where four militants linked to the groups Jamaat-ul-Ahrar and Fitna al-Khawarij were killed. Among those eliminated was a senior militant commander identified as Khan Farosh, also known as Zabal. Tarar said the operation was followed by overnight precision strikes carried out between June 28 and 29 against militant camps and hideouts located in the Afghan border regions of Paktia and Kunar. The strikes reportedly destroyed three militant bases and killed 25 more militants. He added that large stockpiles of weapons and ammunition stored at the targeted locations were also destroyed during the operation. The federal government said the military campaign was launched in response to a series of terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, including incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and an attack on a Pakistan Rangers camp in Karachi. Pakistan, India exchange prisoner lists under Consular Access Pact