US Embassy backtracks from QRF’s action outside American establishments claim

ISLAMABAD - A day after the congressional budget document for 2011 revealed the US’ plans to form a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) in Pakistan at a cost of 23 million dollars for providing security cover to its diplomats in that country, the US Embassy in Islamabad has clarified that the special security force would not be used outside the embassy building.

A statement issued by the embassy said that the QRF would be not be utilised for security and rescue missions outside its diplomatic compounds in Karachi and Islamabad.

It may be noted that the congressional budget document mentioned that the specially trained guards could be involved in operations outside the embassy.

“In addition to providing a tactical and medical emergency response capability at the compounds, the QRF could be called upon to provide support to high-level visits or security incidents affecting US personnel outside of the compounds,” the document said.

However, US Embassy spokesman Rick Snelsire said there was no legal authority for use of such a force outside the premises of the embassy or the consulate.

“Contrary to what the original CBJ document says there are no plans to use these additional personnel anywhere, except on the compounds for internal security. In other words, they will not espond to security incidents off the compound,” The Dawn quoted Snelsire, as saying. (ANI)