US Backs Pakistan Against Afghanistan-Linked Terrorism

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed the United States' stance against terrorism while acknowledging Pakistan's concerns regarding terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. Speaking at a press availability during the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, Rubio stated that the US does not want Pakistan to be targeted by terrorism, and would step in if it could play a "productive role."

The US official acknowledged that the Taliban has not done enough to stop terrorist attacks, and that Washington had seen some of the attacks claimed by the Pakistani opposition. The comments from Rubio are significant as they align with Pakistan's long-standing argument that groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) are using Afghan territory to carry out attacks within the country.

However, Rubio stopped short of committing to any new US actions, and instead offered assistance if Washington could be of help. The remarks come in the wake of Rubio's previous statements expressing the US desire for greater influence over Pakistan. Despite several countries attempting to ease tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, including Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and China, no lasting solution has been found.

Pakistan has paused its Operation Ghazab lil-Haq against Afghanistan, but cross-border strikes have continued. Russia, the only country to formally recognize the Taliban government, has offered to mediate, but talks broke down due to disagreements over wording related to terrorist networks. Pakistan has indicated that it is open to dialogue, but rejects unconditional talks.