Swat's Taleban expand operations

BBC News, Islamabad ^ | 4/21/09 | Syed Shoaib Hasan

[NormsRevenge]

Taleban militants operating in Pakistan's Swat region who agreed a peace deal with the government have expanded operations into nearby Buner.

Dozens of militants have been streaming into bordering Buner to take over mosques and government offices.

Buner is part of the Malakand region, which has just seen the implementation of Sharia law under the peace deal.

But the Taleban have mainly operated in Swat, where they fought the army from August 2007 until this year's deal.

Under the deal the Taleban were expected to disarm.

Buner district is only about 100km (62 miles) from the capital, Islamabad.

Mian Iftikhar Hussain, information minister for North West Frontier Province, said he had received reports of the Taleban expansion.

Recent reports said the Taleban had ransacked the offices of international aid and development agencies working in Buner.

Some employees of the agencies were also briefly taken hostage before being released on Monday.

Patrols

The Taleban have banned the playing of music in cars and are also using mosques to invite local youth to join them.

The Taleban have also started regular patrols in the district.

[NormsRevenge]

We implemented Sharia law as it was a demand of the people, not just the Taleban

Mian Iftikhar Hussain,
NWFP official

[Old Retired Army Guy]

It was only about two months ago that some Pakistan Army Commander said the terrorists had been defeated in Buner and declared victory. What did they do? Declare victory and leave?

[Ben Hecks]

The Kenyan needs to talk to the Tallybahn in Pockystahn.