- The Pakistani people have suffered greatly at the hands of terrorists, Miller says.
- Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who died, he said.
- He says helping Pakistan address its energy shortage is a top priority for the United States.
WASHINGTON: The United States on Tuesday strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan that resulted in the deaths of more than 50 people, including 14 security personnel.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told a news conference that “Washington strongly condemned last week's deadly attacks against security officials and civilians, including the killing of 23 innocent civilians in Musakhail.”
Last week, more than 50 people, including 14 security personnel, were killed in separate terror attacks in Balochistan. In one of the deadliest attacks, at least 23 passengers were killed after being alighted from passenger buses and trucks in Musakhel.
Meanwhile, at least 10 people, including policemen and Balochistan Levies personnel, were killed in a gun attack in Kalat.
Moreover, at least 14 brave sons of the soil, including 10 security forces soldiers and four law enforcement personnel, were martyred in clearing operations, in which at least 21 militants were neutralized.
Responding to a question about the Balochistan attacks, Miller said: “The Pakistani people have suffered greatly at the hands of violent extremist terrorists and our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those killed.”
The United States and Pakistan have a shared interest in combating threats to regional security, he said, adding that they will continue to support Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.
Responding to another question about the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project, the State Department spokesperson said, “What I will say is that we will continue to enforce our sanctions against Iran. And of course, we also advise anyone who is considering doing business with Iran to be aware of the potential ramifications of those deals.”
“At the same time, helping Pakistan address its energy shortages is a priority for the United States, and we continue to discuss energy security with the government of Pakistan.
Pentagon condemns attacks in Baluchistan
Earlier, the US Department of Defense “strongly condemned” the Balochistan attacks days after the province was hit by terrorism that left dozens of civilians and security forces members martyred.
Responding to a question about Washington's support to Islamabad in dealing with such terrorist groups, Pentagon Deputy 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 will of course be able to let you know,” he said.
“We strongly condemn any such terrorist attack and of course our thoughts are with those who lost their lives during that attack, but I have nothing further to say,” Singh said at a news conference at the Pentagon on Thursday.
The press secretary, while responding to another question on whether the US can help Pakistan in eradicating terrorism from that region, said that Washington is always ready to work with any nation that wants to eradicate a terrorist organisation.
“We have good cooperation with the Pakistani government, but as far as these attacks are concerned, I have nothing to say to them except that of course we condemn them,” Singh said.
He said the US Department of Defense would update on any changes in decisions regarding US government cooperation with the Pakistani government.
What happened in Balochistan?
In one of the deadliest attacks on Monday, at least 23 passengers were killed after being alighted from passenger buses and trucks in the Rarasham area of Musakhel, Balochistan.
Meanwhile, at least 10 people, including policemen and Balochistan Levies personnel, were killed in a gun attack in Kalat.
Moreover, at least 14 brave sons of the soil, including 10 security forces soldiers and four law enforcement personnel, were martyred in clearing operations, in which at least 21 militants were neutralized.
The recent bloodshed has triggered a strong reaction from both the federal and provincial governments, with Prime Minister Shehbaz ruling out dialogue and a “soft approach” to dealing with the enemy.
