Official: Pentagon expanding and accelerating training centers for Pakistan forces on border
By Lolita C. Baldor, APThursday, February 11, 2010
Official: Pentagon to spread training in Pakistan
WASHINGTON — A senior U.S. defense official says the U.S. military is crafting plans to set up new training centers inside Pakistan where American special operations trainers would work with Pakistani forces near the Afghan border.
The new training centers would supplement two already operating in Pakistan, and would be used to accelerate and expand the training of Pakistani forces. The plan would give U.S. forces closer access to al-Qaida and Taliban insurgents operating along the border region.
The official says staffing the new centers will require an increase in the more than 100 U.S. special operations forces already in Pakistan.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity to talk about internal discussions.
