US military presence reduced in Pakistan: Embassy

US embassy statement says presence of US military personnel has been reduced after Pakistan govt's request.

ISLAMABAD: The presence of United States military personnel in Pakistan has been reduced, according to a US embassy statement issued on Friday.

“Following a request from the government of Pakistan, the number of United States military personnel in Pakistan has been reduced,” said Vice Admiral Michael LeFever, Chief of the Office of the Defense Representative in Pakistan.

“We recently received a written request from the Government of Pakistan to reduce the number of US military personnel here and we have nearly completed that reduction,” he said.

He also said that the US government felt “honored to partner with the Pakistan military” and that their service members here provide excellent support to Pakistan's military in the fight against violent extremists.

LeFever also added that US military personnel in Pakistan include trainers who work with Pakistani security forces. The total number of US military forces in Pakistan is determined at the request of and in conjunction with the government and military of Pakistan.

“When the Government of Pakistan requests assistance, the US remains ready to help with the security requirements of Pakistan.” LeFever concluded.

US, NATO not involved in Shaltalao attack

The US embassy denied allegations that US and NATO forces aided the insurgent attack in the Shaltalo area of Upper Dir on June 1.

In a press release issued by the embassy, the allegations were rejected as being false.

“US, NATO and Afghan forces have been conducting an aggressive counter-insurgency campaign in the border region of Afghanistan for almost 10 years. The United States and Pakistan have actively cooperated against the violent extremists that threaten us both,” it said.
The embassy statement also added that reporting baseless allegations is irresponsible and demeans the sacrifices of the civilians and military personnel who have fallen in our common fight against violent extremism.