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Originally Posted by abc_123
BUT... There is no reason to release it. What if someone only SUSPECTED or THOUGHT.....What if this causes problems with Pakistani public opinion. What is the burning need to get this info to the media?
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I guess I can see several possibilities.
One is that the leak occurred as a matter of official policy for positive reasons - perhaps to generate support for the war, as JacobGL suggests, or maybe to create confusing information for some other reason. It might even be intended to reassure those who have expressed concern about Pakistan's nuclear arsenal.
The alternative is that someone leaked the information to gain a personal benefit of some sort without regard to greater issues. That could, of course, create all the problems you've suggested. If that is the case, then perhaps prosecution of the leaker should be pursued.
Although I can certainly understand concern for the troops and the mission, there is also a political dimension to the situation. Maybe news stories can improve public support for military initiatives. Therefore, perhaps the desire to provide information to the media springs from a goal of enhanced public relations. I suspect the public has a considerable appetite for such information, which helps explain the eagerness among the media to spread the story.
I'm sure you realize that the story of Special Forces soldiers going into a distant and dangerous area engages a great many people. It might be the key to attracting more recruits, if not to the SF, then to other branches. And, too, it could influence people to believe that the national leadership are addressing a dangerous situation.
Of course, if my views are in error, I always welcome correction.