Posted on 01/30/2008 11:06:04 PM PST by gandalftb
KARACHI - Another piece of the United States' regional jigsaw is in place with the completion of a military base in Afghanistan's Kunar province, just three kilometers from Bajaur Agency in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas.
Pakistani intelligence has confirmed that the base, on a mountain top in Ghakhi Pass overlooking Pakistan, is now operational.
The new US base is expected to serve as the center of clandestine special forces' operations in the border region.
A senior Pakistani security official explained, "American special forces have carried out clandestine operations in the past, and Pakistan was not informed. The Taliban and al-Qaeda also did not realize what was happening with the quick-as-a-wink hit-and-run operations in the tribal areas.
"However, with the new Kunar base, American special forces will carry out extended operations, which means a limited war against Taliban and al-Qaeda assets in the tribal areas. These clandestine operations can be done with or without Pakistan's consent."
US intelligence spotted bin Laden's deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, twice in Bajaur Agency and attacked the area with Predator drones. Taliban sources tell that Zawahiri had been moving in the area for more than 30 hours before he was spotted and targeted. Apparently, he was to meet with bin Laden.
The militants, linked to a particular branch of al-Qaeda called the Tafkiris, are preparing for an Iraq-style guerrilla battle against Pakistan. The Tafkiris include Tahir Yuldashev, leader of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Sheikh Essa, Pakistani Baitullah Mehsud and some factions of banned Pakistani militant organizations.
(Excerpt) Read more at atimes.com ...
Afghan based Spec/Ops were granted permission to pursue terrorists into Pakistan over three years ago, so the rules of engagement will not require any change before we enact these enhanced counterterrorism efforts.
I'm convinced bin Laden is in Nouristan, Afghanistan, just to the north. Zawahiri is in Bajaur , just to the east. This gives us a close-in, all weather, 12 month, surveillance, weapons and tactical platform. With spring coming, there will be movement in the Waqan corridor from the Caucuses that we can now interdict. Hope the recent missile strike is a sign of more to come.
Looks like turkey huntin’ comes early this year.
Good luck men.
BTW, those who have been reeming Mushareff might want to think about what we’re about to do in conjunction with his military.
Well, I am glad the base is now open and will be the center for “clandestine” special ops. And I am so glad that our enemies cannot read English./s
I, for one agree on that point. It disturbes me how our folks blab everything to the press. On the other hand, I’m sure folks in the region are quite familiar with the goings on there.
We're training their Frontier Constabulary, this gives us much more access to al Qaeda. The Uzbeks use the Waqan corridor like the Ho Chi Minh trail, this base puts us right in the middle of the theater.
I swear the MSM SUCKS!
Me either. Let them wonder what we are up to. No need to put it in print for heaven’s sake.
Shhh!! We’re not in Pakistan! And if we are, it’s a quagmire!
;^)
The enemy is never so easily identified or located, as when he’s firing at you...
That sort of focuses attention and demands REACTION....
Perhaps now — a serious killing season will arrive in the outlaw hills and valleys of Pakistan...
Long overdue.
When the militants took over that Pakistani military base a couple of weeks ago, the US should have told the Pakistanis to pull back their troops and let our Air Force level the base! If they want to bunch-up like that let them!
Oh, let the enemies come to attack the base. WE have the airfields and the air power to support them, and THEY’ll be on our side of the border!
You know, if there is a real story this election cycle, it is that Iraq, and mostly Afganistan, has completely, clearly, and totally disappeared off every radar except for Kucinich and that town in Vermont. You can always tell when you have won a battle with a liberal...they change the subject.
Oh, I thought this was a new angle on the Sub-Prime crisis. ;)
WOOOOHOOOO! (Hadn’t seen) Thanks for the ping, link. GRRRRREAT News!
Just in time for Springtime, go boyz get some with the “new Kunar base, American special forces will carry out extended operations, which means a limited war against Taliban and al-Qaeda assets in the tribal areas... clandestine operations can be done with or WITHOUT Pakistan’s consent.”
Bump for the truth!
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