ISLAMABAD: The United States on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms during a counterterrorism dialogue held with Pakistan, the US Embassy in Islamabad announced.
The dialogue took place a day after the US State Department designated the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Majeed Brigade as foreign terrorist organizations, following a series of deadly attacks attributed to the groups.
According to the embassy statement, Acting Coordinator for Counterterrorism Gregory LoGerfo and Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker participated in the US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue.
The discussions aimed to strengthen the shared commitment of both countries to fight what was described as a “global threat.” The embassy emphasized that the US remains dedicated to continued cooperation in this area.
Previously, Washington had listed the BLA under the less severe category of “specially designated global terrorists,” which primarily targets financial assets. However, this designation was elevated to a full terrorist organization ban on Monday.
This move comes amid increasing engagement between US President Donald Trump and Pakistan, following talks with Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.
In March, Pakistani authorities arrested and extradited Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, a member of Daesh-K, to the United States. President Trump had publicly expressed gratitude to Pakistan for this action.
The State Department has reiterated the vital importance of US-Pakistan cooperation on counterterrorism efforts.
Sharifullah is accused of involvement in the 2021 suicide bombing outside Kabul airport during the chaotic US military withdrawal from Afghanistan, which resulted in the deaths of at least 170 Afghan civilians and 13 US soldiers securing the airport perimeter.
