US defence dept condemns terrorist attack in Balochistan

• US "always willing to work" to root out a terrorist organisation. 
• Official says not aware of US involvement, assistance to Pakistan.
• Over 50 were martyred in different terrorist attacks in province.
  

The United States Department of Defence has "strongly condemned" the recent attack on Balochistan days after the province was marred by terror leaving dozens of civilians and security forces martyred.

Responding to a question regarding the Washington's support to Islamabad in dealing with such terrorist groups, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said she was not aware of any US involvement or assistance to Pakistan at this time.

"But if that changes, I can certainly let you know," she maintained.

"We strongly condemn any terrorist attack like that and of course our thoughts are with those who lost their lives during that attack, but I don't have anything beyond that," said Singh, addressing a press briefing at the Pentagon on Thursday.

Singh's statement comes in the wake of the recent bloodshed in Balochistan where over 50 people were martyred in different terrorist attacks.

In response to the series of horrific attacks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the provincial capital on Thursday and vowed to completely eradicate terrorism from the province at all costs, saying the "blood of martyrs will not go in vain".

The press secretary, when responding to another question on whether the US can help Pakistan in rooting out terrorism from that region, said that Washington is always willing to work with any nation that wants to root out a terrorist organisation.

"We have good cooperation with the Pakistani government. But in terms of these attacks, I just — I don't have anything for you other than that we, of course, condemn them," said Singh.

She maintained that the US defence department would update on any change in decisions with regards to the American government's cooperation with the Pakistani government.

What happened in Balochistan?

In one of the deadliest attacks on Monday, at least 23 passengers were killed after being offloaded from passenger buses and trucks in the Rarasham area of Balochistan's Musakhel.

Separately, at least 10 people, including police and Balochistan Levies personnel, were martyred in a gun attack in Kalat.

Furthermore, at least 14 brave sons of soil, including 10 security forces soldiers and four personnel of law enforcement agencies (LEAs), were martyred in clearance operations, wherein at least 21 militants were neutralised.

The recent bloodshed has resulted in a strong reaction from both the federal and provincial governments with PM Shehbaz ruling out dialogue and a "soft approach" in dealing with the enemy.