After F-16 Package, US Conducts Anti-Terror Training with Pakistan Army, Exposing Washington’s Hypocrisy

ISLAMABAD: In a striking display of strategic contradiction, the United States military has conducted anti-terrorism training exercises with the Pakistan Army, a force widely criticized for its alleged ties to global terrorism. The exercises took place at Pakistan’s National Counter-Terrorism Center under the banner of Exercise Inspired Gambit, focusing on combined infantry skills, tactical operations, and counter-terrorism strategies.

US Praises Pakistani Military

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) described the drills as a move to “strengthen our long-standing defense relationship” with Pakistan. Pakistani media reported that the exercises signal a resumption of military cooperation between the two countries, including joint anti-terror drills, potential arms sales, and unusually warm political messaging from Washington.

The training follows the US announcement of a $686 million defense package in December to upgrade Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets, just months after India conducted Operation Sindoor in May to neutralize terrorist bases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Trump’s Personal Ties with Pakistan Army

US President Donald Trump has personally met Pakistan’s military chief General Asim Munir at least twice, praising him publicly on several occasions and even referring to him as his “favorite field marshal.” These interactions underscore the unusually close rapport between the US administration and Pakistan’s military leadership.

Hypocrisy Exposed

Analysts have described the joint counter-terrorism drills as highly ironic, given Pakistan’s repeated accusations of harboring terrorist networks. The juxtaposition of US anti-terror exercises with a military often labeled as a “global terrorism sponsor” highlights Washington’s conflicting foreign policy priorities in South Asia.

This renewed military cooperation, including the F-16 package and joint training, signals that despite years of tension and accusations during the Afghan war, the United States is now actively strengthening its defense ties with Pakistan, raising questions about the credibility of its anti-terrorism stance in the region.