by Jason Ditz, December 21, 2010
Pakistani military leaders are warning the United States to keep their troops on the Afghan side of the border, with officials cautioning that the long-standing anti-terror alliance between the two countries would be ended formally if the United States invades.
US military officials are said to be pushing not only for permission to launch raids into Pakistan’s tribal areas, but are hoping to increase the rate so much as to make such raids a “routine” part of the Afghan War.
NATO, for its part, is denying that it has any plans to approve the attacks, but the Times of London reported that US officials believe they are very close to getting the go ahead by the Pakistani government for the raids.
The US has launched a handful of cross-border raids over the past several years, most recently in September when they killed 60 “suspects” just across the border. That raid led Pakistan to close the border to NATO supplies and sparked a major rift in relations. One can only imagine how much damage would be done if such raids become as common as drone strikes.
Pakistan Successfully Test fires Nuclear-capable Missile
No PR512/2010-ISPR
Rawalpindi – December 21, 2010:
Pakistan today successfully conducted the training launch of Medium Range Ballistic Missile Hatf V (Ghauri). The launch was conducted by the Strategic Missile Group of the Army Strategic Force Command on the culmination of a field training exercise that was aimed at testing the operational readiness of the Army Strategic Force. Ghauri ballistic missile is a liquid fuel missile which can carry both conventional and Nuclear warheads over a distance of 1300 Kms.
Today’s launch was witnessed by Prime Minister Mr. Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Chairman Joint Cheifs of Staff Committee General Khalid Shameem Wyne, Director General Strategic Plans Division, Lieutenant General Khalid Ahmed Kidwai (Retired) and other senior military officers and scientists.
Prime Minister Mr. Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani group photographed with the Strategic Missile Group of the Army Strategic Force Command on the occasion of training launch of Hatf V on Tuesday. (21-12-2010) – Photo ISPR
Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani congratulated all ranks of the Army Strategic Force Command on the excellent standard achieved during training which was duly reflected in the proficient handling of the weapon system in the field and the accuracy of the training launch. He said that Pakistan can be justifiably proud of its defence capability and the reliability of its nuclear deterrence. This capability, he added, formed the bedrock of Pakistan’s security policy and will continue to be enhanced.
Successful conduct of the training launch Medium Range Ballistic Missile Hatf V (Ghauri) on Tuesday. (21-12-2010) – Photo ISPR
