More Pakistani cities fall into Taliban hand
Taliban insurgents on patrol in Buner district.
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=92222
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Pakistan's government confirms that Taliban militants, armed with heavy weapons, have taken control of new areas near the capital Islamabad.
Pakistan's Interior Ministry on Wednesday said that the Taliban moved out of the troubled northwestern Swat Valley and were now in control of Buner district -- only 100 km (60 miles) from Islamabad.
Members of a local tribal militia confronted the insurgents earlier this month when they started infiltrating the district.
However, the resistance subsided in following days in the face of reluctance on the part of government forces to stop the insurgents.
Also, local administration in the captured district noted that the insurgents were dramatically moving toward surrounding areas as well.
"They [the militants] are fast gaining territory and have established checkpoints and dug bunkers at strategic locations in the mountains," said an official of the local administration in Buner district.
Taliban have already set up checkpoints, occupied mosques and have looted offices of non-governmental organizations in the volatile region.
Moreover, the militants ransacked several government offices triggering the official vehicles to drive away, sources said
This is while a so-called peace agreement was expected to establish Taliban rule in the region to end the Taliban insurgency.
Last Monday, President Asif Ali Zardari and lawmakers -- under pressure by the militants -- agreed to introduce a harsh Taliban judicial system in the troubled Malakand division, comprising of six north-western districts including Swat.
The Taliban, however, have not disarmed and are instead trying to extend their military control in the area.
Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday emphasized that the deal with the Taliban was conditional. "If peace is not restored, one can rethink and revisit the agreement."
The Taliban have repeatedly hinted that they would take their war to the capital and other major cities of Pakistan. The Taliban are now moving from the northwestern region into the Punjab and Sindh provinces as well.
President Zardari and Interior Ministry Chief Rehman Malik have repeatedly warned that Taliban want to take over Pakistan.
JR/MMN
Pakistan's Interior Ministry on Wednesday said that the Taliban moved out of the troubled northwestern Swat Valley and were now in control of Buner district -- only 100 km (60 miles) from Islamabad.
Members of a local tribal militia confronted the insurgents earlier this month when they started infiltrating the district.
However, the resistance subsided in following days in the face of reluctance on the part of government forces to stop the insurgents.
Also, local administration in the captured district noted that the insurgents were dramatically moving toward surrounding areas as well.
"They [the militants] are fast gaining territory and have established checkpoints and dug bunkers at strategic locations in the mountains," said an official of the local administration in Buner district.
Taliban have already set up checkpoints, occupied mosques and have looted offices of non-governmental organizations in the volatile region.
Moreover, the militants ransacked several government offices triggering the official vehicles to drive away, sources said
This is while a so-called peace agreement was expected to establish Taliban rule in the region to end the Taliban insurgency.
Last Monday, President Asif Ali Zardari and lawmakers -- under pressure by the militants -- agreed to introduce a harsh Taliban judicial system in the troubled Malakand division, comprising of six north-western districts including Swat.
The Taliban, however, have not disarmed and are instead trying to extend their military control in the area.
Premier Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday emphasized that the deal with the Taliban was conditional. "If peace is not restored, one can rethink and revisit the agreement."
The Taliban have repeatedly hinted that they would take their war to the capital and other major cities of Pakistan. The Taliban are now moving from the northwestern region into the Punjab and Sindh provinces as well.
President Zardari and Interior Ministry Chief Rehman Malik have repeatedly warned that Taliban want to take over Pakistan.
JR/MMN
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