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U.S. General Says Iranian & Pakistani Groups Supply Weapons/Cash to Afghan Rebels

Tuesday, April 29, 2003
(5:25 PM)
By D'Arcy Doran
Associated Press Writer

Whatever declarations are made, Maj. Gen. Vines said rebels in parts of Afghanistan would remain a serious threat. "In certain parts, the country is stable. In other parts, it's terribly dangerous," Vines said. "That has not changed and that probably won't change in the foreseeable future."

BAGRAM, Afghanistan -- AP
Renegade groups in Iran and Pakistan are providing a lifeline to rebels who continue to menace U.S. forces in Afghanistan's lawless border regions, a top U.S. commander warned Tuesday.

Despite international efforts to choke off terrorists' funding, supporters in neighboring countries are succeeding in getting cash and weapons over Afghanistan's rugged mountains, Maj. Gen. John R. Vines told reporters.

"I think there are renegade elements in Iran who have an interest in controlling a portion of Afghanistan," Vines said. "I think there are elements in Pakistan -- not the government -- that have an interest in creating instability."

Vines spoke after a ceremony which for the first time brought combat operations by U.S. forces and its allies under the same command as all other coalition activities.

Vines, commander of 82nd Airborne Division forces in Afghanistan, handed control of combat missions to Lt. Gen. Dan K. McNeill, the overall commander of coalition troops in the country
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2003 © The Associated Press.

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