We will do everything we can to destroy militant safe havens in Pakistan: CIA chief

Pompeo says safe havens in Pakistan have been detrimental for US “to do what we needed to do in Afghanistan”


News Desk December 04, 2017
The US threatens to do ‘everything’ to eliminate them in Pakistan if Islamabad fails to take action. PHOTO: REUTERS

CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) Chief Mike Pompeo has warned Pakistan that if it does not eliminate the alleged safe havens inside its territory, the United States will do “everything we can” to destroy them, said Tolo News.

Don’t expect unilateral cooperation, Pakistan to tell US defence secretary

The warning came when he was asked at the Reagan National Defence Forum in Simi, California, on November 2, how the Trump administration would persuade Islamabad to adhere to its new Afghan strategy.

“You begin by seeking their assistance,” Pompeo said.

US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis is arriving in Pakistan today (Monday) and is likely to pressure Islamabad to do more against militant groups. He is expected to meet Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Chief of the Army Chief (COAS) Qamar Javed Bajwa during the visit. He will also visit Egypt, Jordan and Kuwait.

The CIA chief said that Mattis would also “make clear the president’s intent” during his stay in Pakistan and “will deliver the message that we would love you to do that.”

Pompeo said safe havens inside Pakistan have been detrimental in allowing the US “to do what we needed to do in Afghanistan”.

He explained how the Trump’s administration would deal with the situation if Pakistan ignored the US request.

“In the absence of the Pakistanis achieving that (ridding their country of insurgent bases), we are going to do everything we can to make sure that that safe-havens no longer exist.”

Pakistan ranks fifth on Global Terrorism Index: report

US officials have long been frustrated by what they see as Pakistan’s reluctance to act against groups such as the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network that they believe exploit safe havens on Pakistani soil to launch attacks on neighbouring Afghanistan.

Pakistan, however, denies sheltering the militants, and the issue has emerged as a major irritant to bilateral ties between the US and Pakistan.

This story originally appeared on Tolo News.

COMMENTS (3)

PakSal | 6 years ago | Reply Wishful thinking ... in 16 years nothing has been achieved overtly and covertly and now conveniently throwing rubbish around
Shabir | 6 years ago | Reply History shows that use of force does not prove the permanent solution of a problem. Specially, the self created problem previously. Regional development and people engagement always helps to pave strong basis of solution to any problem. Its a Game of intentions rather Game of interventions.
VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ