`Pakistan helped train Taliban'

(June 10, New Delhi, Sri Lanka Guardian) Pakistani intelligence agents and paramilitary forces have helped train Taliban insurgents and have given them information about American troop movements in Afghanistan, said a report published on Monday by a US think tank.

The study by the RAND Corp also warned that the US will face "crippling, long-term consequences" in Afghanistan.

It stressed the importance of Taliban sanctuaries in Pakistan for elimination.

It echoes recent statements by American generals, who have increased their warnings that militant safe havens in
Pakistan are threatening efforts in Afghanistan. The study was funded by the US Defence Department.

"Every successful insurgency in Afghanistan since 1979 enjoyed safe haven in neighbouring countries, and the current
insurgency is no different," said the report's author, Seth Jones.

"Right now, the Taliban and other groups are getting help from individuals within Pakistan's government, and until that ends, the region's long-term security is in jeopardy."

Pakistan's top military spokesman rejected the findings.

The study, "Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan," found some active and former officials in Pakistan's intelligence service and the Frontier Corps - a Pakistani paramilitary force deployed along the Afghan border - provided direct assistance to Taliban militants and helped secure medical care for wounded fighters.

It said NATO officials have uncovered several instances of Pakistani intelligence agents providing information to Taliban fighters, even "tipping off Taliban forces about the location and movement of Afghan and coalition forces, which undermined several US and NATO anti-Taliban military operations." No timeframes were given.
- Sri Lanka Guardian