ISLAMABAD, Dec 16: The intelligence provided by US security agencies to Pakistan regarding the presence of suspected Al Qaeda elements and foreign militants in the tribal belt of Waziristan has been flawed in most cases , according to knowledgeable sources.
Of the 44 military operations launched on targets provided by the US, based on its satellite intelligence reports since March this year, only three were identifiable, the sources said.
The US intelligence assistance to Pakistani security forces operating in the tribal areas of Waziristan, they say, has proved to be more problematic than helpful. They cite the exposed and rugged terrain that has to be covered from all sides when undertaking such operations. An average of 6,000 to 7,000 security personnel has to be mobilized for each operation.
On one occasion the US intelligence alerted the Pakistani security agencies to a 'big concentration' of what they believed were foreign militants. Later, it transpired that the congregation was a Jirga.
United States that refers to Pakistan as its key ally in war against terrorism has yet to deliver on the vital security assistance required by Pakistan to apprehend militants, the sources told Dawn. The list includes new attack helicopters for night operations, night vision devices, night fighting capabilities and surveillance equipment.
It has been shared with almost all the Congressmen, Senators and top aides of President Bush who have visited Pakistan and asked what they could do to help Pakistan in its pursuit of Al Qaeda remnants. However, insiders say the US emphasis so far has been more on spare parts than on major security equipment required for the operations.
"What we really need is more ears and eyes, not so many hands," say military strategists, underlining the urgent need for sophisticated security apparatus. They point to the 249 unfrequented routes along the total Durand Line stretch of 1,040kms that cannot be sealed even if the entire army is brought in.
Notably while Pakistan has established 665 check-posts (each comprising about 40-plus people) along its side of the 600kms of the Durand Line, the coalition forces and Afghan National army put together have only 69 posts along the Afghan side. This is only 10 per cent of what Pakistan has got.
The current strength of 75,000 troops deployed along the Durand Line by Pakistan includes 42 wings of different corps, three divisions, nine brigades from two regional headquarters, 27 infantry battalions, four engineering battalions plus a couple of FC corps. This is in sharp comparison to the strength of troops on the turbulent Afghan side which is 25,000 all told.
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