Washington: Pakistani action against terrorists is “a mixed story,” John Nicholson, the newly appointed U.S Commander in Afghanistan has told the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Gen Nicholson said it was difficult to defeat the enemy when he enjoys a sanctuary like in Pakistan. “I view it as a serious problem. And this has been one of the principal challenges. It’s a sanctuary that our enemies, in particular the Haqqani Network, have enjoyed inside Pakistan.”
Noting that the Pakistanis have also suffered “significant casualties in the tens of thousands in terms of their security forces and their civilians” the general said at the same time, “we’ve not been satisfied that there’s adequate pressure put on the Haqqanis.”
“The recent operations in Northern Waziristan have helped, as well as stationing of additional regular soldiers in tribal areas have helped. Some of this has pushed some fighters into Afghanistan, which has contributed, perhaps, somewhat to — for example, in Nangahar, some of the issues there,” he said.
“It’s a mixed story,” Gen Nicholson said. “It requires continuous engagement by the Pakistan military, and with General Raheel Sharif and continuous engagement at the operational and tactical level,” he said adding that the U.S wants to encourage the Afghans and the Pakistan military forces to work more closely together against their common enemies.
According to Gen Nicholson, the U.S policy for Afghanistan has two objectives: “the first and foremost counter terrorists, to prevent another attack on the U.S. homeland that emanates from Afghanistan,” and secondly, to enable the Afghans to secure their own country with financial support and advisory help from the coalition.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/pak-action-against-terror-a-mixed-story-us-general/article8180321.ece?w=alauto
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