Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ISLAMABAD3066
2008-09-19 08:58:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Islamabad
Cable title:
COUNTRY TEAM REQUEST FOR COUNTER-NARCO TERRORISM (CNT)
how-toVZCZCXRO6577 OO RUEHLH RUEHPW DE RUEHIL #3066/01 2630858 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 190858Z SEP 08 FM AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8879 INFO RUEHBUL/AMEMBASSY KABUL PRIORITY 9151 RUEHKP/AMCONSUL KARACHI PRIORITY 0346 RUEHLH/AMCONSUL LAHORE PRIORITY 6088 RUEHPW/AMCONSUL PESHAWAR PRIORITY 4899 RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUMICEA/USCENTCOM INTEL CEN MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ISLAMABAD 003066
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/18/2018
TAGS: MASS SNAR ASEC PK
SUBJECT: COUNTRY TEAM REQUEST FOR COUNTER-NARCO TERRORISM (CNT)
TRAINING EVENT (CPK2009CNT001W) IN SUPPORT OF THE PAKISTAN ARMY
SPECIAL SERVICE GROUP (SSG).
REF: A. CJCSI 3710.01 CJCS 28 MAY 93 NOTAL AMPN (U)DELEGATION OF
AUTHORITY FOR APPROVING OPERATIONAL SUPPORT TO DRUG LAW ENFORCEMENT
AGENCIES AND COUNTER-DRUG RELATED DEPLOYMENT OF DOD PERSONNEL
B. GENADMIN JOINT STAFF 071300Z JUN 04 AMPN HUMAN RIGHTS VERIFICATION
FOR DOD-FUNDED TRAINING PROGRAMS WITH FOREIGN PERSONNEL
C. EMBASSY ISLAMABAD'S LEAHY HUMAN RIGHTS VETTING (HRV) REQUESTS FOR
THE 21ST QRS
D. DOS RESPONSES TO AMEMB ISLAMABAD'S HRV REQUEST FOR QRS COMMANDER
AND UNIT
Classified By: Anne W. Patterson, Reasons 1.4 (b),(d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ISLAMABAD 003066
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/18/2018
TAGS: MASS SNAR ASEC PK
SUBJECT: COUNTRY TEAM REQUEST FOR COUNTER-NARCO TERRORISM (CNT)
TRAINING EVENT (CPK2009CNT001W) IN SUPPORT OF THE PAKISTAN ARMY
SPECIAL SERVICE GROUP (SSG).
REF: A. CJCSI 3710.01 CJCS 28 MAY 93 NOTAL AMPN (U)DELEGATION OF
AUTHORITY FOR APPROVING OPERATIONAL SUPPORT TO DRUG LAW ENFORCEMENT
AGENCIES AND COUNTER-DRUG RELATED DEPLOYMENT OF DOD PERSONNEL
B. GENADMIN JOINT STAFF 071300Z JUN 04 AMPN HUMAN RIGHTS VERIFICATION
FOR DOD-FUNDED TRAINING PROGRAMS WITH FOREIGN PERSONNEL
C. EMBASSY ISLAMABAD'S LEAHY HUMAN RIGHTS VETTING (HRV) REQUESTS FOR
THE 21ST QRS
D. DOS RESPONSES TO AMEMB ISLAMABAD'S HRV REQUEST FOR QRS COMMANDER
AND UNIT
Classified By: Anne W. Patterson, Reasons 1.4 (b),(d)
1. (C) Summary. In accordance with Refs A and B, this message is an
Embassy Islamabad request for FY09 DOD operational support under
1004, National Defense Authorization Act 1991, as amended for
development of Counter Narco Terrorism (CNT) training deployments
(CPK2009CNT001W) in support for the Pakistani Army SSG during 1st
quarter of FY09.
2. (C) U.S. Agency requesting CNT Events: This request is made and
coordinated by the DEA Islamabad Country Office (CO) Country Regional
Director MR. Douglas Cortinovis (acting) and has received the
approval of U.S. Embassy Islamabad, Pakistan.
3. (C) Partner Nation (PN) organization requesting this event: Major
General Tahir Mahmood, Commander, Pakistan Army Special Service Group
has requested that a battalion from the SSG receive the proposed
training.
Justification for CNT Training
--------------
4. (C) Narcotics ultimately destined for the U.S. and other
international markets are transshipped from Afghanistan through
Pakistan. The Pakistani SSG conducts interdiction operations within
the land borders of Pakistan. An effective, day and night ground
tactical training program would significantly increase their
effectiveness when conducting interdiction operations, disrupting the
escalation of narcotics smuggled from/through Pakistan. The
Pakistani SSG also represents a new capability in fighting terrorism
and their operations support the DEA Counter-Narcotic efforts in the
region.
5. (C) The Pakistan Army has requested the assistance of the DEA
Islamabad CO in establishing a tactical, Counter Narcotics Training
program in day and night operations for the SSG. The SSG has
requested training in the following counter-terrorism skill sets: air
assault operations/planning, advanced marksmanship,
close-quarter-battle, military decision making process, cordon and
search tactics, techniques, procedures and apply enhance force
protection and OPSEC skills, and conduct law of land warfare and
human rights training. This training will be conducted at the
Tarbela Cantonment Area, Tarbela (approx 100km from Islamabad),
Pakistan.
6. (C) The DEA Islamabad CO requests that the training being
requested is conducted during 1st QTR, FY09. This program is an
aggressive, proactive interdiction initiative ensuring the continued
disruption of trafficking patterns. Additionally, this event
maintains the persistent engagement between U.S. Special Operations
Forces (USSOF) and the Pakistani Army SSG.
7. (C) Counter-Narcotic Justification: A tactical counter-drug
program would promote greater regional stability and lessen the
amount of narcotics which transit through Pakistan to international
markets in the United States and Europe. The funds generated from
the sale of narcotics provide aid which is likely utilized to support
terrorist activity and organized crime. All of these factors are
destabilizing the USCENTCOM AOR. In the post 9/11 environment,
regional assistance from Pakistan has become more critical in
combating terrorist and narcotics activity. This initiative also
supports Commander, USCENTCOM's Theater Objectives for CNT Engagement
Strategy.
8. (C) The SSG, among other agencies, is the primary Counter-Narco
Terrorism (CNT) Special Operations-capable forces in Pakistan. The
continuation of the CENTCOM, SOCCENT and Embassy Islamabad CNT
training program, as part of the overall Foreign Internal Defense
(FID) strategy and program for Pakistan, would expand and increase
the development of a strong, combined and unified U.S./Pakistan
effort in disrupting the escalation of illegal narcotics smuggled
through Central Asia. Additionally, this program denies insurgents
and terrorists access to a critical funding source for continued
terrorist and insurgent operations in Pakistan and the region.
ISLAMABAD 00003066 002 OF 002
9. (C) Embassy Islamabad requests that Pre-Deployment Site Surveys
(PDSS) and/or assessments be scheduled for all events. Training will
be conducted at Tarbela Cantonments Area, IVO Islamabad, Pakistan.
Other training locations within Pakistan may be designated by the
host nation.
Rules of Engagement
--------------
10. (C) Rules of Engagement: The DEA Islamabad CO understands that
CJCS Standing Rules of Engagement (ROE) are in effect. Deploying
forces will not, under any circumstances accompany U.S. DEA, or host
country counter-parts on actual counter-narcotic field operations or
participate in any activity in which hostilities are imminent. The
DEA Islamabad CO further understands that units and individuals
deployed outside the United States, its Territories and Possessions
will deploy with assigned weapons and ammunition. The weapons will
be stored in a secure location that provides reasonable access when
not carried.
11. (C) Justification: SOF units and individuals must be capable of
providing their own force protection when forward deployed in all
threat environments. The Regional Security Officer (RSO) for the
U.S. Embassy Islamabad, Mr Stephen Smith, will be the coordinating
official for all weapons issues. Mr. Stephen Smith can be contacted
at 92-51-208-2203.
Human Rights Verification
--------------
12. (C) Ref D (Human Rights Verification): The DEA Islamabad CO will
request that the U.S. Embassy Islamabad verify that the Department of
State possesses no credible information of gross violations of human
rights by the SSG.
Points of Contact for Training
--------------
13. (U) The Special Operations Command and Control Element - Pakistan
(SOCCE-PAK) is responsible for assisting the CNT team while in
Pakistan. DEA Islamabad CO Acting Regional Director Mr. Douglas
Cortinovis will be kept informed of any issues, should they arise.
14. (U) Any questions concerning the aforementioned cable should be
directed to Mr. Douglas Cortinovis at 92-51-208-2325.
PATTERSON
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/18/2018
TAGS: MASS SNAR ASEC PK
SUBJECT: COUNTRY TEAM REQUEST FOR COUNTER-NARCO TERRORISM (CNT)
TRAINING EVENT (CPK2009CNT001W) IN SUPPORT OF THE PAKISTAN ARMY
SPECIAL SERVICE GROUP (SSG).
REF: A. CJCSI 3710.01 CJCS 28 MAY 93 NOTAL AMPN (U)DELEGATION OF
AUTHORITY FOR APPROVING OPERATIONAL SUPPORT TO DRUG LAW ENFORCEMENT
AGENCIES AND COUNTER-DRUG RELATED DEPLOYMENT OF DOD PERSONNEL
B. GENADMIN JOINT STAFF 071300Z JUN 04 AMPN HUMAN RIGHTS VERIFICATION
FOR DOD-FUNDED TRAINING PROGRAMS WITH FOREIGN PERSONNEL
C. EMBASSY ISLAMABAD'S LEAHY HUMAN RIGHTS VETTING (HRV) REQUESTS FOR
THE 21ST QRS
D. DOS RESPONSES TO AMEMB ISLAMABAD'S HRV REQUEST FOR QRS COMMANDER
AND UNIT
Classified By: Anne W. Patterson, Reasons 1.4 (b),(d)
1. (C) Summary. In accordance with Refs A and B, this message is an
Embassy Islamabad request for FY09 DOD operational support under
1004, National Defense Authorization Act 1991, as amended for
development of Counter Narco Terrorism (CNT) training deployments
(CPK2009CNT001W) in support for the Pakistani Army SSG during 1st
quarter of FY09.
2. (C) U.S. Agency requesting CNT Events: This request is made and
coordinated by the DEA Islamabad Country Office (CO) Country Regional
Director MR. Douglas Cortinovis (acting) and has received the
approval of U.S. Embassy Islamabad, Pakistan.
3. (C) Partner Nation (PN) organization requesting this event: Major
General Tahir Mahmood, Commander, Pakistan Army Special Service Group
has requested that a battalion from the SSG receive the proposed
training.
Justification for CNT Training
--------------
4. (C) Narcotics ultimately destined for the U.S. and other
international markets are transshipped from Afghanistan through
Pakistan. The Pakistani SSG conducts interdiction operations within
the land borders of Pakistan. An effective, day and night ground
tactical training program would significantly increase their
effectiveness when conducting interdiction operations, disrupting the
escalation of narcotics smuggled from/through Pakistan. The
Pakistani SSG also represents a new capability in fighting terrorism
and their operations support the DEA Counter-Narcotic efforts in the
region.
5. (C) The Pakistan Army has requested the assistance of the DEA
Islamabad CO in establishing a tactical, Counter Narcotics Training
program in day and night operations for the SSG. The SSG has
requested training in the following counter-terrorism skill sets: air
assault operations/planning, advanced marksmanship,
close-quarter-battle, military decision making process, cordon and
search tactics, techniques, procedures and apply enhance force
protection and OPSEC skills, and conduct law of land warfare and
human rights training. This training will be conducted at the
Tarbela Cantonment Area, Tarbela (approx 100km from Islamabad),
Pakistan.
6. (C) The DEA Islamabad CO requests that the training being
requested is conducted during 1st QTR, FY09. This program is an
aggressive, proactive interdiction initiative ensuring the continued
disruption of trafficking patterns. Additionally, this event
maintains the persistent engagement between U.S. Special Operations
Forces (USSOF) and the Pakistani Army SSG.
7. (C) Counter-Narcotic Justification: A tactical counter-drug
program would promote greater regional stability and lessen the
amount of narcotics which transit through Pakistan to international
markets in the United States and Europe. The funds generated from
the sale of narcotics provide aid which is likely utilized to support
terrorist activity and organized crime. All of these factors are
destabilizing the USCENTCOM AOR. In the post 9/11 environment,
regional assistance from Pakistan has become more critical in
combating terrorist and narcotics activity. This initiative also
supports Commander, USCENTCOM's Theater Objectives for CNT Engagement
Strategy.
8. (C) The SSG, among other agencies, is the primary Counter-Narco
Terrorism (CNT) Special Operations-capable forces in Pakistan. The
continuation of the CENTCOM, SOCCENT and Embassy Islamabad CNT
training program, as part of the overall Foreign Internal Defense
(FID) strategy and program for Pakistan, would expand and increase
the development of a strong, combined and unified U.S./Pakistan
effort in disrupting the escalation of illegal narcotics smuggled
through Central Asia. Additionally, this program denies insurgents
and terrorists access to a critical funding source for continued
terrorist and insurgent operations in Pakistan and the region.
ISLAMABAD 00003066 002 OF 002
9. (C) Embassy Islamabad requests that Pre-Deployment Site Surveys
(PDSS) and/or assessments be scheduled for all events. Training will
be conducted at Tarbela Cantonments Area, IVO Islamabad, Pakistan.
Other training locations within Pakistan may be designated by the
host nation.
Rules of Engagement
--------------
10. (C) Rules of Engagement: The DEA Islamabad CO understands that
CJCS Standing Rules of Engagement (ROE) are in effect. Deploying
forces will not, under any circumstances accompany U.S. DEA, or host
country counter-parts on actual counter-narcotic field operations or
participate in any activity in which hostilities are imminent. The
DEA Islamabad CO further understands that units and individuals
deployed outside the United States, its Territories and Possessions
will deploy with assigned weapons and ammunition. The weapons will
be stored in a secure location that provides reasonable access when
not carried.
11. (C) Justification: SOF units and individuals must be capable of
providing their own force protection when forward deployed in all
threat environments. The Regional Security Officer (RSO) for the
U.S. Embassy Islamabad, Mr Stephen Smith, will be the coordinating
official for all weapons issues. Mr. Stephen Smith can be contacted
at 92-51-208-2203.
Human Rights Verification
--------------
12. (C) Ref D (Human Rights Verification): The DEA Islamabad CO will
request that the U.S. Embassy Islamabad verify that the Department of
State possesses no credible information of gross violations of human
rights by the SSG.
Points of Contact for Training
--------------
13. (U) The Special Operations Command and Control Element - Pakistan
(SOCCE-PAK) is responsible for assisting the CNT team while in
Pakistan. DEA Islamabad CO Acting Regional Director Mr. Douglas
Cortinovis will be kept informed of any issues, should they arise.
14. (U) Any questions concerning the aforementioned cable should be
directed to Mr. Douglas Cortinovis at 92-51-208-2325.
PATTERSON