Pakistan Planning Offensive Against Taliban

Thanks to Hotair Headlines
Pakistan is planning an offensive against the taliban in response to recent suicide bombing in north western Pakistan. I wouldn't get my hopes up too high, judging on Pakistan's past performances. Plus, Pakistan still wants to negotiate with the terrorists.

Washington, 3 March (AKI/DAWN) - Pakistan is planning a major military offensive against suspected Taliban and al-Qaeda bases in the tribal areas, diplomatic sources in Washington told Pakistani daily Dawn. Washington is also sending 100 military trainers to Pakistan, according to US media reports.

The sources said that the decision to go after the militants followed a recent increase in terrorist attacks in the country. The terrorists were unusually silent during and immediately after the national elections last month but have carried out several major attacks recently, killing more than 100 people in three days.

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The Washington diplomatic sources said that while the United States will provide technical support for this offensive, there will be no direct US participation.

Reports in the US media on Sunday said that Washington is sending 100 military trainers to Pakistan who may also participate in operations against the militants.

Pakistan will also continue its efforts to negotiate a peaceful end to the conflict with tribesmen who back the Taliban and al-Qaeda insurgents, the sources said, adding that the military offensive will not terminate the peace talks.

The sources claimed that US intelligence experts also have confirmed Pakistan’s assessment that Pakistani Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud and his group are responsible for most of the attacks inside Pakistan.