Pakistan launches offensive against Taliban

Pakistan sent helicopter gunships and troops to attack Taliban militants in a district covered by a peace deal after strong US pressure on the nuclear-armed nation to confront insurgents advancing in its northwest.

At least 31 people were killed in the operation, which sent some residents of Lower Dir district fleeing carrying small children and few belongings.

The push appeared to endanger a peace pact struck with Taliban militants in neighbouring Swat Valley, although a top official insisted the deal was “intact”.

Another official demanded the insurgents disarm, but a Taliban spokesman said the militants would not give up their weapons.

The Lower Dir offensive also came ahead of Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari’s scheduled meeting with President Barack Obama in early May, but Pakistani officials denied outside pressure influenced the move.

Television footage from the district showed at least two helicopter gunships heading toward the mountains.

Troops guarded a road blocked with paramilitary trucks, while some families sat nearby. Another family headed away in a vehicle packed with luggage.

The operation killed at least 30 militants, including a commander, plus one paramilitary soldier, according to an army statement.

Mian Iftikhar Hussain, the provincial information minister, said the troops were targeting militants suspected of killing a local mayor and several police officers.

The government agreed to impose Islamic law in Swat and surrounding districts that make up Malakand Division if the Taliban there would end their violent campaign in the one-time tourist haven.

Critics labelled the deal a “surrender” to the militants and warned Swat was turning into a haven for allies of al Qaida.

In recent days, Taliban forces from Swat began entering Buner, a neighbouring district which lies just 60 miles from the Pakistani capital, Islamabad.

Officials said most of the insurgents pulled out of Buner on Friday amid reports of possible military action, and threats that the government would scrap the deal.

Losing either Lower or Upper Dir to militants would be a blow not only for Pakistan but also for the US because a part of the region borders Afghanistan, where the US is sending thousands more troops to shore up the faltering war effort against a resurgent Taliban.