The United States Central Command (Centcom) has acknowledged Pakistan’s significant cooperation in counterterrorism efforts, recognizing Islamabad as a key partner in the regional campaign against Daesh. During a briefing to a US Senate committee, Centcom chief Admiral Brad Cooper emphasized the robust military-to-military relationship between the US and Pakistan, which has yielded concrete operational successes, including actions targeting high-value individuals responsible for attacks on American forces.
Admiral Cooper specifically noted Pakistan’s central role in combating Daesh within the region. This includes Pakistan’s involvement in the apprehension of Daesh operative Mohammad Sharifullah earlier in 2025. In a related statement from June 2025, then-Centcom Chief General Michael Kurilla highlighted Pakistan’s extradition of Jaffar, a key figure behind the Abbey Gate bombing.
Centcom further underscored that this partnership has been crucial in dismantling militant networks active across the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. The collaboration has directly contributed to disrupting groups responsible for violence against US personnel.
Meanwhile, Centcom also praised Pakistan’s contribution to humanitarian relief efforts, pointing out that bilateral coordination was essential for delivering US aid following the devastating floods in Pakistan last September. These combined security and humanitarian initiatives were described as a testament to the enduring friendship and shared commitment between the two nations.
Notably, the Daesh operative Mohammad Sharifullah is alleged to have played a role in the 2021 suicide bombing outside Kabul airport during the chaotic US military withdrawal from Afghanistan, underscoring the importance of Pakistan’s counterterrorism cooperation.
