Pakistan army set to expand counterinsurgency remit

Subject

Expansion of the military's counterinsurgency campaign.

Significance

The military has decided to extend its counterterrorism operations, targeting in particular terrorist and criminal sanctuaries. There are no clear signs that the civilian leadership has authorised such an extension. Rather, indications are that no such sanction has been granted.

Impacts

• Civilian-military tensions will probably increase.
• US-Pakistan ties will survive recent setbacks.
• The risk of reprisal attacks against urban and state targets will rise.