Tripartite military talks: Kabul huddle vows to wipe out Da’ish regional franchise

Pakistan, Afghanistan, US renew resolve to continue fighting terror threat

ISLAMABAD: Despite apparent strains in the ties with Washington, a six-member Pakistani military delegation joined senior military commanders from Afghanistan and the United States in Kabul on Thursday to discuss the common threat of terrorism.

The tripartite meeting of military commanders from Pakistan, Afghanistan and the United States was held to review the current Afghan situation with particular focus on the threat posed by Da’ish terrorist group.

Director General Military Operation (DGMO) Major General Sahir Shamshad Mirza led the Pakistan delegation at the three-way talks.

“Participants re-affirmed their resolve to continue fight against the common threat of terrorism. Areas of mutual security interests and concerns were deliberated upon during the interaction,” said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).



The three sides, according to the military’s media wing, expressed their commitment to eliminate Da’ish from the region which could best be achieved through information sharing, complementary efforts and enhanced cooperation.

Senior military officials from Pakistan and Afghanistan also held a bilateral meeting. Important issues linked to cross-border firing and attacks, counterterrorism, coordinated actions on the respective sides of the Pak-Afghan border and exchange of detainees were discussed, said the statement.



Both sides agreed to make progress in line with the commitments made at the recent high-level meetings and formulate an action plan which would contribute towards improving security along the Pak-Afghan border through enhanced cooperation, according the military’s media wing.

The talks came against the backdrop of the new strategy announced by President Donald Trump for Afghanistan and South Asia last month. Trump’s approach of accusing Pakistan of supporting Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network has created tension in the ties between Islamabad and Washington. Pakistan at the moment is reviewing its options and seeking a regional approach to offset the possible negative fallout of the Trump administration’s new plan.