CIA recalls top Pakistan spy as his cover blown

A Pakistani lawsuit has accused him by name of killing civilians in missile strikes. It led to threats against him and forced the US to call him home.

CIA officials had "serious concerns" for the station chief's safety which led to the decision to bring him back, they said.

A spokeswoman for the spy agency, Jennifer Youngblood, declined to comment.

The Pakistani lawsuit also named CIA Director Leon Panetta and Defence Secretary Robert Gates.

The station chief's name has not been revealed in the US because he remains undercover and his name is classified.

CIA air strikes from unmanned aircraft have killed many terrorist leaders, but Pakistan says they are a blunt instrument that have killed innocent people. However, Pakistan is also believed to unofficially back some strikes. The US does not acknowledge the missile strikes, but there have been more than 100 this year – more than double the amount in 2009.