HELL YEAH! Now things will start happening in Pakistan. Their military is launching some operations against the Taliban on the ground, and our Predators will assist from the sky.
US gives Pakistan ‘control’ over drone strikes
* Drones will be allowed under direction of Pakistani military officials working with American counterparts in JalalabadLAHORE: The US military has begun flying Predator drones in Pakistan and given Pakistani officers significant control over targets, flight routes and decisions to launch attacks, US officials say.
The officials say the project has been started recently to bolster Pakistan’s ability and willingness to disrupt the militant groups active in both Pakistan and Afghanistan.
For the US military, the missions represent a broad new role – searching for militants in Pakistan. For years, that task was the domain of the CIA.
Under the new partnership, US military drones will be allowed under the direction of Pakistani military officials, working with American counterparts at a command centre in Jalalabad.
US officials say the programme is aimed at getting Pakistan “more directly and deeply engaged” in the Predator programme.
“This is about building trust,” said a senior US military official. “This is about giving them capabilities they do not … have to help them defeat this … extreme element … in their country.”
Pakistanis, however, have yet to use the drones to shoot at suspected militants.
US officials acknowledge that the initiative carries serious risks. Pakistan, they said, was struggling to balance a desire for more control over the drones with a reluctance to become ‘complicit’ in strikes on its “own people”.
During his visit to Washington last week, President Asif Zardari had reiterated the request for a fleet of Predators. US officials have all but ruled that out, describing the jointly operated flights as an effective compromise.
While the CIA drones continue to focus on Al Qaeda, the military drones are intended to disrupt militant networks deeper into Pakistan.
I know it is wishful thinking, but hopefully the Pakistany military can bring the pain to the Taliban, sparing the US the need to put boots on the ground.
Related posts:
- UN: Predator Drone Attacks illegal
- America’s Ghost Warriors and the secret war in Pakistan
- Pakistan: New Taliban leader decides against press conference after drone attack
- Major drone strike pelts Jihadis with 18 missiles; 10 killed
- Taliban Trap Civilians in Pakistani War Zone
- Pakistani troops fire on US helicopters at border
- Drone strike snuffs out 6 more roaches
- Pakistan: Taliban vow to retake Swat Valley, punish infidels
- US Implicates Pakistani Agents in Kabul Bomb Attack
- Another Taliban Leader Captured in Pakistan
