The United States has issued a warning to the Taliban, emphasizing the importance of preventing Afghanistan from becoming a sanctuary for terrorists and ensuring it does not become a launchpad for attacks against other nations.
Vedant Patel, the State Department’s Principal Deputy Spokesperson, highlighted the U.S.’s dedication to preventing Afghanistan from reverting to a haven for terrorist groups aiming to harm the U.S., its partners, and allies during a press briefing.
Expressing condolences for the recent loss of Pakistani soldiers and civilians in cross-border incidents, Patel called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to reconcile their differences constructively.
He noted the U.S.’s concern over Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan following a terrorist attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, emphasizing the importance of avoiding civilian casualties and urging the Taliban to block terrorist activities from Afghan soil.
Regarding U.S. support for Pakistan in counterterrorism efforts, Patel confirmed ongoing discussions, including counterterrorism dialogues and bilateral consultations, focusing on Afghanistan and regional security.
He mentioned U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome’s meeting with Prime Minister Sharif, which covered a spectrum of bilateral issues, including security cooperation and economic reforms in partnership with the International Monetary Fund, climate change, and fostering private sector-led economic growth.
Additionally, White House Spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre also expressed condolences for the loss of Pakistani soldiers. He reiterated the call for the Afghan Taliban to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a terrorist haven.
