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US Cuts Off Security Aid To Pakistan Over Terrorism Fight

The U.S. says it's withholding most security funding to Pakistan until the country takes "decisive action" on terrorism.

US Cuts Off Security Aid To Pakistan Over Terrorism Fight
U.S. Department of Defense
SMS

The U.S. says it's not going to send any more military aid to Pakistan until the country takes "decisive action" against terrorist groups like the Taliban.

The State Department is freezing counterterrorism payments scheduled to go to Pakistan. That's in addition to the $255 million in military aid the U.S. already delayed paying.

The move comes days after President Trump attacked the amount of aid Pakistan has received from the U.S. over the years. He also accused the country of providing safe haven to terrorist groups.

U.S. officials have argued Pakistan's leniency on certain terror groups has fueled the ongoing war in Afghanistan. But the country is also a valuable ally to the U.S. in Afghanistan — and rising tensions could imperil that cooperation.

The State Department has also placed Pakistan on notice for religious freedom issues. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has consistently faulted Pakistan's strict blasphemy laws, but until now the State Department didn't act on those complaints.

Pakistan Holds An Emergency Security Meeting After Trump Tweet
Pakistan Holds An Emergency Security Meeting After Trump Tweet

Pakistan Holds An Emergency Security Meeting After Trump Tweet

President Trump accused Pakistan of "lies & deceit" and said the country gives "safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan."

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Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.