The top US intelligence official in Pakistan, who oversaw the intelligence team that uncovered Osama bin Laden’s hideout, has returned home because of medical reasons. The CIA declined to comment on the matter.
A media report, citing US and Pakistani officials, said the officer who headed one of the Central Intelligence Agency’s most sensitive positions worldwide was not expected to return.
It is the second time in seven months that the top US intelligence officer has left the post in Pakistan. The previous station chief had to leave after a Pakistani official admitted that his identity had been leaked, causing a security breach.
Despite the quick turnover at the key office, US officials said that it would not hamper US intelligence efforts in Pakistan.
US and Pakistani officials said they hoped the station chief s departure would pave the way for smoother ties between the CIA and Pakistan s ISI intelligence agency, noting the departing officer had an “extremely tense” relationship with his counterparts in the ISI.
Relations between the two intelligence agencies has been under great strain in the wake of the raid that killed bin Laden near the country s main military academy.
