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Top CIA official in Delhi to discuss Al-Qaeda threat |
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A top official of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) discussed with Indian intelligence agencies areas of cooperation in the fight against terrorism in the light of the reported regrouping of Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters along Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan. CIA deputy chief John Mclaughlin held talks with senior Intelligence Bureau officials and the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India’s external intelligence agency, official sources said. The US Embassy here confirmed the CIA official’s visit, but would not discuss his engagements and agenda. “We do not comment on such visits,” a spokesperson for the Embassy said.
A large number of Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters are believed to be hiding in the tribal areas along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. The U.S. had launched ground operations against them in the Shahi Kot valley last month.
While the US is concerned about the extremists regrouping and launching attacks in Afghanistan, India is worried about these elements moving to Jammu and Kashmir to step the violent campaign against Indian forces in the state with the onset of summer.
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