US to step up covert operations: NYT

NEW YORK:

US commander General David Petraeus has ordered expansion of secret military activity to tackle militancy and counter threats in Iran, Saudi Arabia and other countries.

The New York Times claimed that the secret directive authorises the sending of American Special Operations troops to both friendly and hostile nations.

The order, however, does not appear to authorise offensive strikes in any specific countries.

Quoting officials, the paper says the order permits reconnaissance that could pave the way for possible military strikes in Iran if tensions over its nuclear ambitions escalate.