White House calls Taliban capture a success, sign of increased Pakistan cooperation
By APWednesday, February 17, 2010
White House says Taliban capture ‘a big success’
WASHINGTON — The White House is confirming for the first time the capture of the Afghan Taliban’s leader in Pakistan.
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters Wednesday that Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who was arrested earlier this month in a joint operation by CIA and Pakistani security forces, “is a big success for our mutual efforts in the region.”
He praised Pakistan for the capture, saying it is a sign of increased cooperation with the U.S. in the terror fight. Gibbs confirmed Baradar is being interrogated but wouldn’t divulge the results.
Capt. John Kirby, spokesman for Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also praised the arrest of what he called the Taliban’s No. 2 commander.
“We also strongly support Pakistani efforts to secure the border region,” Kirby added, noting that Pakistan has lost soldiers in that effort.
Mullen, President Barack Obama’s senior military adviser, has made rebuilding the frayed U.S. military relationship with Pakistan a top priority.
“The U.S. and Pakistan have a robust working relationship that serves the mutual interests of our people,” Kirby said. “We continue to build a long-term partnership that strengthens our common security and prosperity.”
