Afghanistan Times
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Commending the rescue operation for the son Pakistan’s prime minister, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter on Tuesday said the raid reflected growing capabilities and effectiveness of Afghan security forces.
“This raid demonstrates the growing capabilities and effectiveness of the Afghan security forces and is an excellent example of the strong security and intelligence partnership between Afghan and US forces under Operation Freedom’s Sentinel,” Carter said.
In a statement, the secretary praised the US Special Operations personnel and the Afghan National Army (ANA) commandos for the professionalism and skills they demonstrated in the raid in the Giyan district of southeastern Paktika Province.
In the counterterrorism operation targeting Al-Qaeda operatives, the partnered team freed Ali Haider Gilani, son of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who had been held hostage since he was kidnapped three years ago in Pakistan.
“We will work with the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan to return him home safely after he receives a medical evaluation. Working alongside our Afghan partners, we will continue to make it clear there is no safe haven for terrorists in Afghanistan,” he concluded. (PAN)
