Operation Cannonball is an American Central Intelligence Agency operation 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 2 3 Mazzetti, Mark; Dave Rodhe (June 30, 2008). "Amid Policy Disputes, Qaeda Grows in Pakistan". The New York Times. Retrieved June 30, 2008.
- 1 2 "Secret US military plan for Pakistan on hold-report". Reuters. June 30, 2008. Retrieved June 30, 2008.
- 1 2 McLeod, Judi (June 30, 2008). "New York Times again exposes 'highly classified Pentagon order'". Canada Free Press. Retrieved June 30, 2008.
United States Intelligence Community (CIA Headquarters: George Bush Center for Intelligence, Langley, Virginia) | ||
| Organization |  | |
| Geographic activities |
| |
| Transnational activities | ||
| Directors |
| |
| Major international operations | ||
| Notable works |
| |
| CIA activities by country | ||