NATO Rubbishes Reports Of Proposed Ground Operations In Pakistan

[sonicboom]

NATO Rubbishes Reports Of Proposed Ground Operations In Pakistan

12/21/2010

The Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) engaged in counter-insurgency operations in Afghanistan has rubbished media reports that it plans to mount a ground offensive against militants in Pakistan's troubled north-western region, reports said on Tuesday.

According to the New York times, the US-led forces had drawn up plans in this regard although it still hadn't received official approval. The write-up had pointed out that a sense of urgency had gripped both the military and political top- brass as the deadline for troops pullout in mid-2011 approached.

"There is absolutely no truth to reporting in the New York Times that U.S. forces are planning to conduct ground operations into Pakistan," the security alliance said in a statement.

However, it added that the ISAF and U.S. Forces, along with their Afghan partners have developed a strong working relationship with the Pakistani military to address shared security issues.

ISAF Deputy Chief of Staff for Communication, Rear Admiral Gregory Smith, has been quoted as saying in the communique that Nato indeed recognizes the sovereign right of Pakistan and Afghanistan to go after insurgents in their respective territories.

"This coordination recognizes the sovereignty of Afghanistan and Pakistan to pursue insurgents and terrorists operating in their respective border areas. Cross border coordination has and continues to disrupt and dismantle insurgent networks in select areas, with significant operations on both sides of the border removing large numbers of insurgent leaders and fighters," Smith said.

Despite Islamabad's protests, which analysts term as mere grandstanding, US drones regularly carryout strikes on militant strongholds located in Pakistan's federally-administered tribal regions from where they launch attacks against foreign forces in neighboring Afghanistan.

NATO Rubbishes Reports Of Proposed Ground Operations In Pakistan