(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) WASHINGTON, July 17 (KUNA) -- The US Department of Defense stated that it would continue to work with Pakistan on counter-terrorism, as Islamabad launched Operation "Azm-i-Istehkam" two weeks ago to target anti-state elements and extremists.
Pentagon spokesman Major General Patrick Ryder stated in a Pentagon news briefing, late on Tuesday, that "when it comes to counterterrorism, the US and Pakistan have worked together in the past, and we continue to discuss ways that we can work together."
He added that the US and Pakistan maintain a security cooperation relationship and that discussions were taking place to look at Pakistan's requirements and what the US can do to support Pakistan.
Regarding the killing of eight Pakistani soldiers and the wounding of dozens of other soldiers in an attack by militants on a military base in the northwest of the country, Ryder said "our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those soldiers that were lost --- Pakistan is in a tough fight at times when it comes to fighting terrorists in the region."
Commenting on Pakistan's operation against militants in specific parts of the country, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said last week that the US has common interests with the Pakistani government regarding threats to regional security. (end)
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