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September 6, 2008 11:36:13 PM CDT

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Pakistan Routs Taliban Forces in Major Offensive

Posted Jun 28, 08 1:25 PM CDT in World 

(Newser) – Pakistan blasted suspected militant hideouts today, launching its biggest offensive against Taliban forces since electing a government last March. The military cleared three militant outposts and forced the insurgents west, CNN reports. For weeks, tensions have mounted between militants and Islamabad, which abandoned its diplomatic strategy as insurgent strikes increased.

“Peace cannot be brought with force and aggression,” said the Taliban leader in Pakistan. “This will be very unfortunate for the Pakistani nation if fighting starts again.” Baitullah Mehsud added that he would suspend peace talks with the government, the AP reports. But the Pentagon hopes Pakistan’s efforts will curb violence in neighboring Afghanistan, where security is “fragile.”

Sources CNN, Associated Press

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Pakistan's para-military force uses heavy artillery to bombard hide-outs of suspected militants during a crackdown operation.   (AP Photo)
Pakistani forces bombarded suspected militant hide-outs on Saturday at the start of a major offensive against Taliban fighters.   (AP Photo)
Soldiers of Pakistan's para-military force guard the main road, during a crackdown operation in Bara Akakheil in Pakistan's tribal area of Khyber on Saturday, June 28, 2008.   (AP Photo)
A Pakistani paramilitary solider stands guard in Pakistan's tribal area of Khyber near Peshawar on Saturday, June 28, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said he hopes a newly announced Pakistani effort to clamp down on Islamic militants in its northwestern tribal districts will improve the situation in Afghanistan.   (AP Photo)
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Pakistan  • Afghanistan  • Taliban  • Pentagon  • insurgents  • Robert Gates  • Islamabad


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