Pakistan warns US against unapproved military operations

Pakistan's military warned the US against taking unapproved action against armed groups on its territory.

In what is seen as the strongest response yet to unilateral US military action on its territory, Pakistan military Spokesman Major-General Asif Ghafoor rejected the notion that Pakistan is not doing enough to fight armed groups, Islam Times reported.

"We have sacrificed a lot. We have paid a huge price both in blood and treasure," Ghafoor said. "We have done enough and we cannot do any more for anyone."

He said Pakistan would continue to fight armed groups in the region in Pakistan's self-interest, rather than at the behest of other countries.

"Had we not supported (the US), al-Qaeda would not have been defeated," he said.

Earlier this month Pakistan ordered its air force to shoot down any drones violating the country’s airspace, including those of the US military, which are deemed responsible for a high number of civilian deaths in the Asian state.

Islamabad has condemned US drone raids on Pakistani soil, describing them as a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.  

Washington’s drone operations are also highly unpopular among Pakistani people, who have held numerous protest rallies over the past years against the civilian deaths caused by such aerial assaults.

EA