Pakistan targets "root cause of all evils"

Pakistan targets "root cause of all evils"

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Monday, 15, Jun 2009 11:52

Pakistan's military has launched an operation against a senior Taliban leader in the north-west region of the country.

Provincial governor Owais Ahmad Ghani confirmed troops had been told to target Baitullah Mehsud and his supporters in South Waziristan.

The news is expected to be welcomed by the United States which believes the region harbours both al-Qaida and Taliban militants.

Mehsud's group is thought to have carried out a series of attacks in Pakistan during recent weeks and has previously been linked to the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

Announcing the new military campaign, Mr Ghani defiantly declared: "Baitullah Mehsud is the root cause of all evils."

The Pakistan military has launched a continual military offensive into Swat Valley over last couple of months during which they claimed thousands of militants have been killed.