Insurgents still being supported by sanctuaries, logistics originating in Pak: Pentagon

Washington: The insurgency in Afghanistan continues to enjoy sanctuary in the Pakistan border region, from where they can regenerate insurgent command and control and operational capacity, and Islamabad needs to do more to eliminate the safe terrorist havens, a US report has said.

Insurgent capacity continues to be supported by sanctuaries and logistical support originating in Pakistan, and insurgents will likely retain operational momentum in areas where these support structures exist, the Department of Defense said in a report.

Consolidating security gains made during the reporting period requires more progress with Pakistan to eliminate these sanctuaries, it added.

The report noted that although putting pressure on insurgent sanctuaries in Pakistan would not be sufficient to end the Afghanistan conflict in the near-term, it would fundamentally alter the strategic balance of the conflict in favor of the ISAF and the Afghan Government.

Within its borders, Pakistan has a pivotal role to play in U.S. efforts to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al-Qaeda and its affiliates; to help bring about and ensure a durable political solution in Afghanistan; and to promote and sustain long-term regional stability so the United States does not again face a region that is home to terrorist sanctuaries, it said.

According to the report, complementary border operations between the ISAF, the ANSF, and the Pakistani military are improving, with on-going operations astride the border with Pakistans Mohmand and Bajaur Agencies. Operations there aim to disrupt the insurgents freedom of movement from their Pakistan sanctuaries into Afghanistan and to prevent unrestricted movement for insurgents through the area to the Ring Road and Kabul.

Despite this progress, it remains clear that the insurgency continues to enjoy sanctuary in the Pakistan border region, from where they can regenerate! insurge nt command and control and operational capacity, it added.

The report also said that the US approach with Pakistan is to build an effective partnership that advances both nations interests, while also demonstrating to Islamabad that Washington will remain a strong and long-term supporter of Pakistani security and prosperity.

Central to this effort is aligning both US and Pakistani interests in the near-term with respect to denying safe haven to all violent extremist organizations. Although great strides have been made in the U.S.-Pakistani bilateral relationship over the past two years, heightened sensitivities regarding Pakistani sovereignty can set back this progress, it added.