Pakistan likely to face Trump heat: Crackdown on terror havens discussed

The White House and Pentagon declined to comment on the review before its completion.

Ahead of the visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President, Donald Trump has hinted at cracking down on Pakistan based militants launching strikes in neghbouring Afghanistan.

Reuters reported that potential Trump administration responses being discussed include expanding US drone strikes, redirecting or withholding some aid to Pakistan and perhaps eventually downgrading Pakistan's status as a major non-NATO ally, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Some US officials, however, are skeptical of the prospects for success, arguing that years of previous US efforts to curb Pakistan's support for militant groups have failed, and that already strengthening US ties to India, Pakistan's arch-enemy, undermine chances of a breakthrough with Islamabad.

US officials say they seek greater cooperation with Pakistan, not a rupture in ties, once the administration finishes a regional review of the strategy guiding the 16-year-old war in Afghanistan. Precise actions have yet to be decided.

The White House and Pentagon declined to comment on the review before its completion. Pakistan's embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

OneIndia News