United States Central Command (CENTCOM) is increasing the scope of its partnership with regional allies and has praised Pakistan in fighting against terrorism.
As noted in the most recent posture statement by General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, Qatar, Jordan, Iraq, and Pakistan increased the country’s burden sharing efforts to drive solutions to the region’s most pressing issues.
In addition, the report underlines how critical of a counterterrorism partner Pakistan has become for the United States.
Pakistan remains on the frontline in the fight against ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) particularly in the tribal region adjacent to Afghanistan. In its report, CENTCOM recognises Pakistani operations for the deaths or capture of several key ISIS-K figures, including the planner of the deadly 2021 Abbey Gate bombing which resulted in the death of 13 American service members.
The report also noted that the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service and Syrian Democratic Forces are two of the most effective mechanisms to defeat the remnants of ISIS who are seeking to regenerate their capacity to attack the West.
“Together, in partnership with our forces, they are responsible for more than 500 ISIS fighters being taken off the battlefield over the last year alone”, it added.
Talking about countries including Pakistan, the report accepted the fact that “US cannot operate across the region without their support to our objectives and for key basing and overflight permissions.”
It added, “Securing critically important access requires sustained diplomatic engagement and demonstrated commitment to achieving military objectives that not only reduce our risk, but that of our Partners.”
The United States also praised Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, Iraq, and Kuwait for their commitment to partnerships through significant investments in strategic infrastructure and by offsetting costs.
