Pak tribal areas turning into safe haven for militants

{image-pak boopadam_22072008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Lahore, Jul 22: US military chief Admiral Mike Mullen has said that Pakistan's tribal areas bordering Afghanistan are turning into a centre of power for al Qaeda, Taliban and other foreign militants.

The Geo News quoted Admiral Mullen as saying that the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) were increasingly becoming a safe haven for al Qaeda and other foreign militants. Mullen said the infiltration of militants from FATA into Afghanistan was a large challenge for the coalition forces in Afghanistan.

He said the organisation of militants in FATA was not only a threat to Pakistan's security but also to coalition forces, adding that al Qaeda was focusing on Afghanistan for its terrorist activities.

ANI