News / Asia

Most US Military Advisors Have Left Pakistan

U.S. Vice Admiral Admiral Michael LeFever gestures during a news conference in Rawalpindi, Pakistan (FILE PHOTO).
U.S. Vice Admiral Admiral Michael LeFever gestures during a news conference in Rawalpindi, Pakistan (FILE PHOTO).
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Most of the U.S. experts sent to Pakistan to help train the country's military in counterinsurgency have left the country at Pakistan's request.

U.S. Vice Admiral Michael LeFever said Friday the United States has almost completed the pullout, though he did not give specific numbers.  He said in a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad that the U.S. remained ready to help Pakistan if asked.

Pakistani security officials, who refused to be named, said about 90 of the approximately 130 U.S. trainers had been sent home.

Pakistan asked for the drawdown last month after U.S. commandos infiltrated Pakistan and killed al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden.

Relations between the two countries have been strained since the May 2 raid.

Pakistani leaders criticized the action, saying it was a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty. They also warned against future unilateral actions.

Pakistan received $2.7 billion in security-related assistance from the United States in the fiscal year that ended last October.  It is the third-largest recipient of U.S. security aid and reimbursements, after Afghanistan and Israel.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.

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