Thursday, March 26, 2009

The Taliban offensive in Afghanistan is aided partly by support from operatives in Pakistan's military intelligence agency, The New York Times reported on Wednesday.

Pakistan's support for the Taliban, coordinated by operatives inside Pakistan's Directorate for Inter-Services Intelligence, reportedly includes military supplies, money and guidance for the militant group's leaders.

U.S. government officials said informants and surveillance provided key evidence to prove the ties between the Taliban and Pakistani spies.

Pakistani officials told the Times they had firsthand knowledge of the ties, which they denied were strengthening the insurgency.

Evidence shows ISI operatives meet regularly with Taliban commanders to discuss whether to intensify or reduce violence before the Afghan elections.

Pakistani leaders deny government ties to militant groups and the Times quoted U.S. officials as saying it was unlikely top government officials were coordinating the efforts. The middle-ranking intelligence operatives sometimes cultivate relationships without the approval of senior officials, the paper said.

President Obama has ordered an additional 17,000 troops to join the 38,000 U.S. troops already there. He is expected to announce Friday the results of his administration's review of Afghanistan policy.

Reuters contributed to this report.