Pakistan army rejects US report on militants' collusion
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, June 17, IRNA -- Pakistan army on Friday rejected US media reports that 'elements in Pakistan security forces tipped off terrorists helping them to escape the purported Improvised Explosive Device factories in Waziristan tribal region'.
The US media quoted unnamed American officials as saying that the CIA chief Leon Panetta during his recent visit to Pakistan presented satellite photographs of two bomb-making factories that American spies several weeks ago had asked the Pakistani intelligence to raid.
When Pakistani troops showed up days later, the militants were gone, causing American officials to question whether the militants had been warned by someone on the Pakistani side, according to Nee York Times.
“This assertion is totally false and malicious and the facts on ground are contrary to it,” the Pakistan army said.
Explaining further the army spokesperson said that intelligence information was received regarding four compounds suspected of being used as IED making facilities. Operations were launched on all.
“Two were found to be used as IED making facilities and have been destroyed. Information on other proved to be incorrect. Some persons have been arrested and they are under investigation,” the spokesman said in a statement.
The Times reported that shortly after the failed raids, the Defense Department put a hold on a $300 million payment reimbursing Pakistan for the cost of deploying more than 100,000 troops along the border with Afghanistan, two officials said.
US media reported that the 'IED factories' were located in North and South Waziristan, where many militants are based.
**1420
Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 30435487
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