Taliban planning more ‘spectacular attacks’

ON the second anniversary of its intervention in Afghanistan, the United States said there were signs Taliban guerrillas were planning more spectacular attacks and urged Pakistan to do more to curb Islamic militants.

Zalmay Khalilzad the US special envoy to Afghanistan and ambassador designate to Kabul told a news conference yesterday the fight against “terrorists” in Afghanistan was a long-term struggle.

Mr Khalilzad said he welcomed a recent border operation by Pakistan against the Taliban and al-Qaida, but added it must do more to stop cross-border attacks by Islamic guerrillas. “I think that’s really critical,” he said. “Pakistan cannot become a sanctuary for Taliban and al-Qaida,” he said.