US to Deny Training to Pakistani Troops Linked to Prisoner Abuses

Strategic Insights -

The US government has made the decision to deny training and equipment to about half a dozen Pakistani Army units that are believed to have killed unarmed prisoners and civilians during recent offensives against the Taliban. This move follows a series of developments that highlight the uneasy relationship between the US and Pakistan. The decision comes as the two countries attempt to move beyond a recent exchange after NATO helicopter gunships killed three Pakistani soldiers. President Barack Obama's administration has expressed concern about embarrassing the Pakistani military, with some US-backed Pakistani Army and special operations troops who have been in action against Taliban fighters in the Swat Valley and South Waziristan along the lawless border region being affected by the decision.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US has decided not to train or equip about half a dozen Pakistani Army units that are believed to have killed unarmed prisoners and civilians during recent offensives against the Taliban.
  • The decision is in line with the Leahy Amendment, which requires the US to cut off aid to foreign military units found to have committed gross human rights violations.
  • The Pakistani military has been accused of committing hundreds of extra judicial killings, a concern expressed by the US government.
  • The US spends about $2 billion a year on the Pakistani military, including money specifically designated for counter-terrorism operations.
  • The move affects US-backed Pakistani Army and special operations troops who have been in action against Taliban fighters in the Swat Valley and South Waziristan.
  • Pakistani officials were not informed of the decision, despite being present for a series of talks this week.
  • Senator Patrick Leahy, the author of the Leahy Amendment, has expressed concerns about the Pakistani military's actions and has not closed his eyes to the issue due to national interests in Pakistan.

Statistics:

  • The US spends $2 billion a year on the Pakistani military, including money specifically designated for counter-terrorism operations.
  • Hundreds of extra judicial killings committed by the Pakistani military have been reported by the US government.
  • The decision affects about half a dozen Pakistani Army units.

Sources:

  • "US to deny training to Pak troops linked to prisoner abuses" - PTI, October 22, 2010.