New Delhi: Pakistan's willingness to confront the Taliban may have been the trigger to the offensive launched by the Pakistani Army against the militants in the Dir region near Swat on Sunday. Pakistani troops killed at least 10 militants in a new assault launched against Taliban militants in Swat.
The operation started in Lower Dir district of the Malakand division in the North West Frontier Province after a series of statements and violent actions by the militants challenging the government's writ.
The fresh offensive came as Western governments, including that of the US, raised serious concerns about the peace pact with the Taliban in Swat and accused the nuclear-armed country of abdicating to the Taliban.
While the Pakistan government denies that the pressure by the US prompted the operation, it said that the peace-deal stuck with the Taliban was still intact.
According to a military statement: "scores" of militants, including a commander were killed, while one paramilitary soldier was left dead". It said the operation was launched at the request of the provincial government and local residents.
The offensive comes hours after Pakistani Taliban Chief Beitullah reportedly dispatched 300 suicide bombers to attack key Pakistani cities.
However Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari says US must stop criticising Pakistan for its achievements in countering extremist elements like the al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
"It's time to get together and achieve more. This time when I go to the US, I will ask them to compare their progress in Afghanistan with us," Zardari stated.
Zardari approved the imposition of Islamic sharia law in the Malakand division and Swat April 13, nearly two months after hardline cleric Sufi Mohammad brokered a peace deal between the regional government and the rebels.
Although the government began setting up sharia courts, the emboldened militants refused to disarm and instead expanded their control over Swat's neighbouring districts of Buner and Shangla.
BLOODY SUNDAY
On Sunday, Pakistani Interior Ministry chief Rehman Malik also hinted at stern action against the insurgents, whom he blamed for a weekend bombing in Lower Dir.
Twelve children were killed and three more were wounded in Luqman Banda village Saturday when they started playing with a homemade explosive device they mistook for a toy.
Pakistan's Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Friday expressed the military's resolve to fight and eliminate the militants endangering the lives of peaceful citizens and challenging the writ of the state.
"The operational pause, meant to give the reconciliatory forces a chance, must not be taken for a concession to the militants," General Kayani said in apparent reference to the lull in Swat fighting after the Feb 16 peace agreement.
(With inputs from agencies)
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