US assures cooperation to Pak in tracking Taliban militants

The US today assured Pakistan full military cooperation in tracking down fleeing Taliban militants in case the Pakistani army launches an operation against the banned outfit in tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, a media report said.
Commander of the United States Central Command General Llyod J Austin arrived in Pakistan today and met with Army chief Gen Raheel Sharif and Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee Gen Rashad Mahmood.
On his meeting with CJSC, they "discussed matters related to regional security situation with special emphasis on Afghanistan, and bilateral cooperation between the two militaries", the army here said in a statement.

The US commander assured full military cooperation from the other side of the border to track down fleeing Taliban militants from Waziristan to Afghanistan, the Dawn reported.
The report by the daily on its website also said that Pakistan has assured the US military of every possible cooperation in tracing its soldier, Bowe Bergdhl, who is allegedly held captive by the Afghan Taliban in North Waziristan tribal region.
Quoting "highly credible sources", the report said Gen Austin, sought Pakistan's help in tracing kidnapped US soldier before any possible massive military operation was conducted in North Waziristan.

Asked for a confirmation, however, a senior US Embassy official told PTI, "I am not in a position to confirm this. We would be releasing a statement and it will provide information about his visit".

Gen Austin during his meetings also shared credible intelligence information about various militants hideouts in North Waziristan with Pakistan's top military officials, the report said.
The sources said that US was desperate to get its soldier back before it began withdrawal of its forces from Afghanistan.