The U.S. Defense Department has welcomed Pakistan's
offensive aimed at expelling Taliban militants from areas just 100 kilometers
from the capital, Islamabad.
But the Pentagon said Tuesday the real test will be whether the effort is
sustained and the militants are actually defeated.
The U.S. reaction came after Pakistani troops, backed by attack helicopters and
fighter jets, opened a new front in Buner district, pounding suspected Taliban
positions in the mountainous terrain.
A Pakistani army spokesman (Major General Athar Abbas) said the military
expanded its operation after officials obtained communications that showed that
the Taliban had no plans to leave Buner. He estimated 500 militants were in the
area.
The spokesman declined to give details about the number of troops involved, but
said the operation is expected to last about a week.