U.S. CENTCOM Commander General Michael Kurilla has acknowledged Pakistan's vital role in the fight against ISIS, stating that they are "close to crushing" the terrorist group due to Pakistan’s cooperation.

In a strong endorsement of bilateral counterterrorism efforts, General Kurilla revealed that Pakistan handed over the prime suspect behind the Kabul airport bombing and captured five senior ISIS leaders.

He emphasized that joint operations with Pakistan against ISIS have been effective and ongoing. Highlighting the importance of Islamabad for Washington, Kurilla called the U.S.-Pakistan relationship crucial to American national security.

In a significant message to New Delhi, the CENTCOM chief stated that the United States cannot compromise its ties with Pakistan for India’s sake, dismissing any notion of choosing between the two nations.

General Kurilla’s remarks effectively dashed India's hopes of sidelining Pakistan in regional security matters.

Pakistan fighting an intense war on terror, emerged as dependable ally in mission

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Chief General Michael Kurilla has hailed Pakistan as an "outstanding and reliable partner" in the fight against terrorism, particularly against ISIS-K, during a briefing to the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday.

Speaking at a hearing titled "U.S. Military Strategy and National Security Challenges in the Middle East and Africa," General Kurilla revealed that Field Marshal and Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir personally informed him of the arrest of ISIS-K’s key operative, Jaafar (also known as Sharifullah), who was mastermind behind deadly suicide bombing of 2021 Kabul Airport Abbey Gate.

Kurilla stated: “General Munir called me directly and said, ‘We have captured him. I am ready to hand him over to the U.S. Please inform the Secretary of Defense and President Trump.’”

Strong Counterterrorism Cooperation

The CENTCOM chief emphasized that under intelligence-sharing mechanisms, Pakistan has handed over at least five senior ISIS-K figures to the U.S. and eliminated dozens more through its own operations.

“Despite limited intelligence support from us, Pakistan is conducting effective operations using its own resources, and we are seeing the impact,” he said, according to international media outlets.

Kurilla further disclosed that since the beginning of 2024, Pakistan’s western regions have suffered over 1,000 terrorist attacks, resulting in the deaths of approximately 700 security personnel and civilians, and over 2,500 injuries.

“Pakistan is currently fighting an intense war on terror and has emerged as a dependable ally in this mission,” he added.

ISIS-K Movement & Regional Security

General Kurilla warned that ISIS-K operatives are actively moving across borders and attempting to re-enter Afghanistan but are currently concentrated in Pakistan’s border regions.

He also linked ISIS-K to recent global attacks, including the Moscow concert hall massacre and bombings in Iran’s Kerman city. He hinted at further classified information connecting the group to threats within the United States.

U.S.-Pakistan-India Relations

When asked about U.S. ties with India, Kurilla maintained that the U.S. must balance relations with both South Asian nations.

“We need relationships with both Pakistan and India,” he stated. “It’s not a zero-sum game. We should evaluate each bilateral relationship on its merits and strategic benefits, not in competition with the other.”

Diplomatic Impact

General Kurilla’s remarks have been welcomed in Pakistan as recognition of its counterterrorism efforts, while triggering a backlash in Indian political circles and social media. Critics in India have questioned the U.S. stance, with some suggesting this signals a shift in regional strategic priorities.

Indian opposition leader Jairam Ramesh commented on X, “CENTCOM chief just called Pakistan a ‘fantastic partner in counterterrorism.’ What will our Prime Minister and his supporters say now? Is this not a diplomatic setback?”

The debate highlights the complex and evolving dynamics of U.S. relations in South Asia as Washington continues its focus on counterterrorism cooperation and regional stability.

US military evaluating options to prevent nuclear-armed Iran, general says

The top U.S. general overseeing American forces in the Middle East said on Tuesday there were a range of options when asked if the military was prepared to respond with overwhelming force to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran.

"I have provided the secretary of defense and the president with a wide range of options," U.S. Army General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, the head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), told a congressional hearing.

Kurilla was responding to Representative Mike Rogers of Alabama, the chairman of the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee, who asked if CENTCOM was prepared to respond with overwhelming force if Iran does not permanently give up its nuclear ambitions.

"I take that as a yes?" the Alabama Republican asked, after Kurilla responded.

"Yes," Kurilla said.

Iran said on Monday it would soon hand a counterproposal for a nuclear deal to the United States in response to a U.S. offer that Tehran deems unacceptable, while U.S. President Donald Trump said talks would continue.