Operation Cannonball
US Central Intelligence Agency operation
Operation Cannonball is an American Central Intelligence Agency operation disclosed in 2008. [1] Beginning in 2006, it was intended as part of an effort to capture Osama bin Laden and eliminate Al Qaeda forces in Pakistan . [1] There was reportedly "mounting frustration" among Pentagon officials due to the ongoing delay and deployment of special forces units, as originally planned in the Cannonball program. [2] The operation was reportedly hampered by conflicts between CIA offices, leading to large delays in the deployment of the program. [1] Partially to blame for the presently failed deployment of the program was conflict among United States intelligence agencies, along with resources having been diverted to the War in Iraq . [2]
The existence of the covert program, and its various internal conflicts, was revealed to the public by The New York Times on June 30, 2008. [3] The New York Times article was said to be "exposing highly classified Pentagon orders". [3]
References
- 1 2 3 Mazzetti, Mark; Dave Rodhe (June 30, 2008). "Amid Policy Disputes, Qaeda Grows in Pakistan" . The New York Times . Retrieved June 30, 2008 .
- 1 2 "Secret US military plan for Pakistan on hold-report" . Reuters . June 30, 2008 . Retrieved June 30, 2008 .
- 1 2 McLeod, Judi (June 30, 2008). "New York Times again exposes 'highly classified Pentagon order' " . Canada Free Press . Retrieved June 30, 2008 .
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United States Intelligence Community
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George Bush Center for Intelligence
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