BANAI BABA ZIARAT, Pakistan — A Pakistani flag now flies over army troops dug in on a strategic ridge that until two days ago was held by the Taliban, a base where militants trained fighters, built tunnels and equipped caves with electricity and air vents.
The takeover of the highest Taliban stronghold in the Swat Valley by troops who stormed up its jagged, rubble-strewn slopes is evidence of the success of Pakistan’s month-old army offensive. The action has been welcomed by the U.S., which fears the nuclear-armed country is capitulating to the militants.
But much of the region still remains in the hands of the militants, including Buner, several police officers said Friday. And several said the Taliban were not far away.
Unlike other campaigns against Taliban and al-Qaida militants, the current offensive has broad political and public support in Pakistan, but some fear that could drain away if the refugees are seen to be neglected or the fighting drags on.
While foreign governments are praising the Swat operation, they will be looking closely to see whether the country expands the offensive into other parts of the border region, especially Waziristan, which has been hit by repeated strikes by U.S missiles since last year.
Critics say the Pakistani army does not have the will or capability to completely take out the militants, given its close historical links to extremists.
by the associated press
The takeover of the highest Taliban stronghold in the Swat Valley by troops who stormed up its jagged, rubble-strewn slopes is evidence of the success of Pakistan’s month-old army offensive. The action has been welcomed by the U.S., which fears the nuclear-armed country is capitulating to the militants.
But much of the region still remains in the hands of the militants, including Buner, several police officers said Friday. And several said the Taliban were not far away.
Unlike other campaigns against Taliban and al-Qaida militants, the current offensive has broad political and public support in Pakistan, but some fear that could drain away if the refugees are seen to be neglected or the fighting drags on.
While foreign governments are praising the Swat operation, they will be looking closely to see whether the country expands the offensive into other parts of the border region, especially Waziristan, which has been hit by repeated strikes by U.S missiles since last year.
Critics say the Pakistani army does not have the will or capability to completely take out the militants, given its close historical links to extremists.
by the associated press
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