Pakistani ambassador says flooding has stretched military, will hurt battle against terrorists

Pakistan official: Flooding will hurt terror fight

WASHINGTON — Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States says the massive flooding that has submerged vast swaths of his country has stretched thin the Pakistani military and will hamper its fight against terrorists.

Husain Haqqani says the military’s resources, particularly its helicopters, are busy with flood relief. He adds that going after extremists in North Waziristan and other terrorist safe havens near the Afghanistan border depend on the military’s capabilities.

U.S. military leaders have pressed Pakistan to move into North Waziristan’s lawless border region where insurgents launch attacks into Afghanistan and al-Qaida leaders find sanctuary.