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WASHINGTON: The United States on Monday condemned a deadly attack by Taliban gunmen on a naval base in Karachi, saying it showed the need for US-Pakistani cooperation despite differences between both sides.
“We strongly condemn this terrorist attack and we're committed to working with Pakistan... in a joint effort to combat this kind of violent extremism,” State Department spokesman Mark Toner told reporters.
He said no Americans personnel were killed or injured in the attack.
Toner said the attack underscored the need for counterterrorism cooperation between Washington and Islamabad. “It just illustrates that Pakistan is under enormous pressure and threat from these kinds of groups. And they suffer... considerably from this kind of violent extremism,” Toner said.
“So it just, frankly, speaks to the ongoing need for close counterterrorism cooperation, even or in spite of some of the questions raised by the bin Laden raid,” he added.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague condemned the attack and said London stood alongside Pakistan in the fight against violent extremism.
“I condemn the attack on the Pakistan military facility in Karachi which has killed many service personnel and injured many more,” Hague said.
“I offer my sincere condolences, in particular to the families of those who have lost their lives and to those who have been injured.
“This attack once again demonstrates the seriousness of the threat that Pakistan faces from domestic militancy and extremism.
“The UK remains committed to standing with Pakistan in the shared fight against violent extremism.”
Pakistani forces regained control of the base 17 hours after heavily armed Taliban gunmen attacked under cover of night late Sunday, destroying two US-made surveillance planes and killing 10 personnel.
