US CENTCOM Chief Calls Pakistan a Key Counter-Terrorism Partner
The commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), Admiral Cooper, has described Pakistan as a key and reliable partner in counter-terrorism efforts during a briefing to a Senate committee.
Admiral Cooper stated that a strong military partnership with Islamabad has yielded positive results against terrorist groups like ISIS. He highlighted Pakistan’s role as a “net regional stabilizer” in the fight against terrorism.
The briefing also noted that Afghanistan remains the top country of concern on the US watch list due to the presence of terrorists.
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Updated: 9:49 AM PKT — May 18, 2026
The head of United States Central Command has been identified as Admiral Brad Cooper. He further characterized Pakistan as a key “ally” in addition to being an “important” partner. The admiral also specified that the military-to-military relationship has produced “tangible results” against terrorist organizations.
Updated: 6:44 AM PKT — May 18, 2026
The commander of US CENTCOM has been identified as Admiral Rett Cowper. In his letter, Congressman Jack Bergman highlighted the enduring strategic importance of the US-Pakistan relationship.
Updated: 3:51 AM PKT — May 18, 2026
US Congressman Jack Bergman specifically praised the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir. Additionally, a US State Department official revealed that an initiative known as ‘Project Freedom’ was halted at Pakistan’s request to give diplomacy a chance.
Updated: 11:26 PM PKT — May 17, 2026
In a related development, a US Congressman from the Congressional Pakistan Caucus penned a letter praising Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the military leadership. The letter specifically recognized their diplomatic role in mediating between the United States and Iran. It has also been clarified that the CENTCOM commander who briefed the Senate committee was Admiral Kurilla.
Updated: 11:00 PM PKT — May 17, 2026
During the briefing to the US Senate committee, Admiral Cooper also specifically acknowledged the sacrifices Pakistan has made. This recognition of the nation’s losses was a key part of his statement to the committee.
📍 Latest Updates
Updated: 9:57 PM PKT — May 17, 2026
The CENTCOM chief identified terrorist safe havens in Afghanistan as the reason for Washington’s continued focus on the country. He further added that these safe havens pose a continuous threat to regional peace.
Updated: 7:43 PM PKT — May 17, 2026
The CENTCOM commander emphasized that the mutual successes against terrorists are a result of a shared commitment to regional security. He noted this commitment exists alongside the previously mentioned long-standing friendship between the two nations.
Updated: 5:26 PM PKT — May 17, 2026
In his briefing, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper specified that the military partnership has yielded “concrete results,” adding that Pakistan plays a “crucial role” against ISIS. The Admiral also noted that this partnership is seen as a direct reflection of the long-standing friendship between the two nations.
