The US State Department has expressed its condolences over the recent wave of terrorist attacks in Pakistan, including the assault on the Mianwali air base. The State Department’s principal deputy spokesperson, Vedant Patel, made a statement during a press briefing, confirming that no American equipment left behind during the Afghanistan withdrawal could be utilized by terrorists to target Pakistan.
The Mianwali air base came under attack when terrorists infiltrated the Pakistan Air Force facility, resulting in a clearance operation that led to the deaths of nine terrorists. Reports suggested that US-made weapons were recovered from the terrorists after the attack.
In response to questions about US counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan and the reports of American weapons used in the Mianwali air base attack, Patel clarified, “There was no equipment left behind by American forces during the withdrawal from Afghanistan.” He also noted that large-scale military grant assistance remains suspended.
While acknowledging the reports of attacks on Pakistani security forces and facilities, Patel extended condolences to the victims’ families and emphasized the long-standing partnership between the US and Pakistan in areas such as law enforcement, the rule of law, counter-narcotics efforts, and security cooperation. The recent wave of terror activities in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, has raised concerns, following the termination of the ceasefire between the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the government in November last year.”
