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U.S. military denies Afghan reports it will provide Pakistan with equipment
by Joseph Earnest March 28, 2014
Newscast Media WASHINGTON—The U.S. military is disputing media reports that it plans to give Pakistan excess American military equipment that is currently in Afghanistan.
"Our commitment to the Afghan people and the Afghan National Security Forces is unwavering," Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford, commander of all U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan, said in a statement Thursday.
The Washington Post first reported in a March 16 web story that the U.S. military was considering giving the Pakistanis $7 billion worth of equipment amid the drawdown in Afghanistan. The Pakistani military has expressed interest in getting Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, which have been proven to be too big and heavy to operate effectively in Afghanistan, which lacks road infrastructure.
But U.S. Forces-Afghanistan issued a statement on Thursday calling media reports that it was considering sending military equipment to Pakistan "inaccurate."
"USFOR-A does not provide or intend to provide any such equipment, including MRAPs, from Afghanistan to Pakistan," the statement says.
The story caused more strain on the U.S. military's relationship with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, whose spokesman said Afghanistan would oppose any move to give excess MRAPs to Pakistan.
"Afghan security forces need this type of equipment and as a strategic partner, the U.S. needs to consult with Afghanistan before making such a decision," Emal Faizi told Voice of America for a March 18 story. Add Comments>>
Source: U.S. Forces-Afghanistan
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