CIA Drone Attacks in Pakistan Seen as Less Effective Than Thought

Recent reports indicate that the CIA drone attacks in Pakistan have not been as effective as some had thought.  Very few high-level targets are being taken out and pressure is mounting to restrict the level of drone attacks.  Read more in "Increased U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan killing few high-value militants", The Washington Post, February 21, 2011.

Reports Say that Special Forces Will Mount Cross-Border Operations into Pakistan

A New York Times (December 20, 2010) report says that the military wants to mount raids into Pakistan in an attempt to capture high-level Taliban insurgents and gather intelligence.  The news article indicates that CIA trained and equipped Afghan militias are already doing some cross-border operations.  Read more in "U.S. Military Seeks to Expand Raids in Pakistan". 

US Seeks Wider Role for CIA in Pakistan

The U.S. is searching for solutions on how to hit the Taliban in Pakistan.  While the Pakistan government may not approve U.S. ground troops it could possibly turn a blind eye to an increase of CIA paramilitary capability.  Read more in "Wider Role for CIA Sought", The Wall Street Journal, October 23, 2010.

CIA World Factbook on Afghanistan

The CIA World Factbook on Afghanistan provides a wealth of background information on the country to include geography, people, government, economy, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues.  To view click on the link below:

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/af.html

Counterterrorism Pursuit Teams - the CIA's Paramilitary Force in Afghanistan

Shortly after the completion of the invasion of Afghanistan the CIA stood up a small force of Afghan fighters to hunt down terrorists.  This force still exists today although it is much larger.  The paramilitary force is called the Counterterrorism Pursuit Team or CPT.  The teams are used by the CIA for surveillance, raids and combat operations.  Read more in "Paramilitary force is key for CIA", The Washington Post, September 23, 2010.