We gave you 7.5 billion bucks: CIA ensures deeper US foothold in Pakistan

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(Press TV) -- The US intelligence chief has obtained Islamabad's authorization for further American military and intelligence involvement in Pakistan.

The head of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Leon Panetta on Friday met with Pakistani Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani to ensure "operational functioning between the two militaries and intelligence agencies," AFP reported.

The CIA in collaboration with the Pentagon has been launching missile attacks on alleged militant strongholds in Pakistani tribal areas. The raids, which use unmanned surveillance aircraft, have killed many civilians, increasing anti-American sentiments among locals.

The two sides also discussed an evolving Washington decision which could sanction the deployment of nearly 40,000 extra troops in neighboring Afghanistan.

Pakistani officials say the so-called US-led counterinsurgency operations in Afghanistan have sent militants fleeing across the border to Pakistan.

Islamabad is, meanwhile, being pressured by the United States to scale up military crackdowns on its bordering violence-infested areas of Swat and South Waziristan which, Washington claims, harbor pro-Taliban militants.

Army operations have so far prompted tens of thousands of local residents to flee the regions.