Tillerson applauds release of Taliban-held family

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Thursday praised the release of a North American family held by a Taliban-linked group, extending "deep gratitude" to the Pakistani government and army in freeing the hostages.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. [Photo: IC]

In a statement, the top U.S. diplomat applauded "the innumerable lines of effort" of the U.S. government in this process, saying they "reflect the best of what America can accomplish."

Tillerson also thanked Islamabad for its cooperation, adding U.S. President Donald Trump's "new South Asia strategy recognizes the important role Pakistan needs to play" in securing regional stability and ultimate peace.

Washington "is hopeful that Pakistan's actions will further a U.S.-Pakistan relationship marked by growing commitments to counterterrorism operations and stronger ties in all other respects," he said.

Earlier, Trump announced the release of U.S. citizen Caitlan Coleman, her husband Joshua Boyle, a Canadian citizen, and their three children, who were taken captive and held hostage in Pakistan for five years by the Haqqani network, a radical group with ties to the Taliban.

The hostages' release was "a positive moment" for the U.S.-Pakistan relationship, Trump said.