Effective military operations key to dismantle Pak safe haven

WASHINGTON: Effective military operations is key to "disrupt and dismantle" the safe havens of Taliban and Al-Qaeda in Pakistan's restive tribal areas, a top US military official set to head the US-led international forces in Afghanistan has said

"Effective military operations in the Pakistani tribal areas are key to disrupt and eventually deny safe havens to Al Qaeda and the Taliban from which they launch these incursions," said Lt. General Stanley A McChrystal, in response to advance questions given to him before his confirmation hearing by the Senate Armed Services Committee

He has been nominated by President Barack Obama to head the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan

Observing that preventing all incursions by militants from Pakistan and Afghanistan is difficult due to the length and porous nature of the border, Lt General McChrystal said practical cooperation between Afghan, Pakistan and international forces improves border security

When asked about the efforts undertaken by Pakistan in the war against terrorism, he said Pakistan needs to be persuaded to improve its counter insurgency capability.