We are aware of the ongoing situation in Pakistan. We’ve been closely following reports that militants have seized control of the counterterrorism center in Bannu.
We offer our deepest sympathies to those injured,” said State Department Spokesperson Ned Price.
“The Government of Pakistan is a partner when it comes to these shared concerns, including the challenge of terrorist groups inside Afghanistan… terrorist groups along the Afghan-Pakistan border… we stand ready to assist, whether with this unfolding situation or other situations,” said Price.
Last week at least four police personnel were martyred and as many others wounded in an overnight terrorist attack on the Bargai police station of Lakki Marwat. Terrorists launched an armed assault on the police station from two sides. A fierce exchange of fire took place between the police and the outlaws, leaving four police officers dead and as many injured.
Ned Price said and urged those responsible for the attack to cease all acts of violence, to safely release those who remain hostage, and to end the seizure of the counterterrorism center.
The spokesperson said that Islamabad is a partner when it comes to these shared challenges, including the challenge of terrorist groups inside of Afghanistan, and terrorist groups along the Afghan-Pakistan border.
“We have partnered with our Pakistani friends to take on to help them take on this challenge. We stand ready to assist, whether with this unfolding situation or more broadly. But this is a situation for which we’d have to refer you to Pakistani authorities.”
Earlier Pakistan Security Forces launched an operation against TTP in Bannu to rescue CTD Hostage.
The hostage situation at the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) police station in the Bannu district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa entered its third day on Tuesday as talks to resolve the stand-off with the militants failed to make headway.
Since no breakthrough was made and the situation remains tense in the town, deputy commissioner Bannu declared that all government and private educational institutions across the district will remain closed today.
Read More : Security Forces Launches operation against TTP in Bannu to rescue CTD Hostage
