KABUL, Afghanistan: United States Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper said Pakistan remains a key counterterrorism partner in efforts against Afghanistan-based terrorist threats, particularly the regional branch of the Islamic State group known as ISIS-K.
Speaking before the United States Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, Cooper said cooperation with Pakistan and other regional partners remains central to Washington’s counterterrorism strategy following the 2021 withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan.
“The terrorist threats originating from Afghan soil remain an important factor in US cooperation with regional partners,” Cooper said, adding that the United States now relies on “a set of regional partnerships” rather than a permanent military presence inside Afghanistan.
“Pakistan is a key counterterrorism partner that plays a central role in the fight against ISIS-K in the region,” Cooper told lawmakers. “Our strong military-to-military partnership with Islamabad has produced tangible results against high-value individuals with American blood on their hands.”
The CENTCOM commander also said Central Asian states remain concerned about the evolving militant threat landscape in Afghanistan.
“Our partners in Central Asia are keeping a wary eye towards Afghanistan-based terrorist threats,” he said.
ISIS-K has continued to claim responsibility for attacks inside Afghanistan and Pakistan in recent years, while international monitoring bodies say the group remains operational and capable of carrying out regional attacks.
A December 2025 report issued by the United Nations Security Council’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team said ISIS-K continues to pose “serious threats within Afghanistan, the region, and beyond,” despite Taliban counterterrorism efforts.
Since the withdrawal of American forces in August 2021, Washington has adopted what officials describe as an “over-the-horizon” strategy focused on intelligence-sharing, targeted operations and cooperation with regional allies.
US officials have repeatedly warned that instability in Afghanistan could allow extremist organisations, including ISIS-K and al Qaeda affiliates, to regroup and plan attacks beyond the region, while neighbouring countries continue to express concerns over cross-border militancy and security spillover.
