News
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
US military urges more trust with Pakistan after Mohmand probe
WASHINGTON: The head of United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has urged greater trust and communications with the Pakistani military on Monday amid a diplomatic crisis after a NATO air strike killed 24 Pakistani soldiers last month. CENTCOM chief General James Mattis made his recommendations after his command released the results of its own investigation into the November 26 incident. A joint US-NATO investigation unveiled last week portrayed a disastrous spate of errors and botched communication in which both sides failed to inform the other about their operational plans or the location of troops. “The strongest take-away from this incident is the fundamental fact that we must improve border coordination and this requires a foundational level of trust on both sides of the border,” Mattis said in a statement. Islamabad rejected an earlier US inquiry after the Americans insisted their troops responded only after coming under heavy machine-gun and mortar fire. Although the US-NATO probe acknowledged the Americans had relayed “incorrect mapping information” to a Pakistani liaison officer that gave the wrong location for Pakistani troops at border outposts, the CENTCOM report made no mention about the discipline of US or NATO personnel. Mattis also called for “full disclosure of all border area facilities and installations” on both sides of the border, with updates using a shared database and map as well as organising coordination visits. Mattis also directed NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) commander General John Allen to take a number of corrective actions to improve relations with Islamabad, including fostering “improved, mutual trust” between forces working in the mostly lawless border areas. Troops should also “clarify authorities, responsibilities, and standard operating procedures” in the area as well as conduct formal exercises and drills to improve coordination and reduce chances of conflict. The comments came as The New York Times reported that US officials believe a counterterrorism alliance with Pakistan can survive only in a limited form, as a deterioration in ties complicates the ability to launch attacks against extremists and move supplies into Afghanistan. afp
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk