The CIA has pulled its top-ranking spy in Pakistan out of the country amid death threats, according to U.S. intelligence officials.
The spy, station chief in Pakistan, had recently been named in a lawsuit filed by a Pakistani man seeking $500 million for the death of his son and brother, who he alleges were killed in a U.S. drone strike.
Karim Khan, a journalist from North Waziristan, called for Banks to be charged with murder. The spy, who left the country Thursday, was named in Pakistani media stories as Jonathan Banks.
The U.S. government does not publicly acknowledge the drone program. The station chief, who operates covertly and oversees all intelligence operations in Pakistan, manages the drone program.
Suspected U.S. missile strikes from fired by unmanned drone aircraft reportedly killed at least 24 people in northwestern Pakistan on Friday. Pakistani officials said the missiles struck three locations Friday in the Khyber region, a base for the Taliban-allied group Lashkar-e-Islami.
A day earlier, Pakistani officials said another U.S. missile strike in the area killed seven alleged militants.
This week's review of U.S. strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan says greater cooperation is needed from Pakistan to deny a safe haven for terrorists in the border region.
There is no paywall on the story you just read because a community of dedicated listeners and readers have contributed to keep the global news you rely on free and accessible for all. Will you join the 226 donors who have supported The World so far? From now until Dec. 31, your gift will help us unlock a $67,000 match. Donate today to double your impact!