Operation Cannonball

Operation Cannonball is an American Central Intelligence Agency operation that was 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. Mazetti, Mark; Dave Rodhe (2008-06-30). "Amid Policy Disputes, Qaeda Grows in Pakistan". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-06-30.
2. "Secret US military plan for Pakistan on hold-report". Reuters. 2008-06-30. Retrieved 2008-06-30.
3. McLeod, Judi (2008-06-30). "New York Times again exposes 'highly classified Pentagon order'". Canada Free Press. Retrieved 2008-06-30.