Army has the "will and resolve" to root out Taliban from Swat: Kayani

Rawalpindi, Jan. 29 (ANI): Concerned by the increasing Talibanisation of the tribal areas in the country, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Kayani has said that the Army will overcome the menace and establish peace in the region soon, The Daily Times reports.

On a visit to the troubled Swat valley, in an attempt to boost the morale of the security forces which has been facing stiff resistance from the militants in its operation in the area,ayani said: "The Pakistan Army has the'will and resolve' to defeat terrorists, restore peace and establish the writ of the state in violence-hit areas."

Kayani visited the valley to take stock of the situation a day after the third phase of Operation Rah-e-Haq against the Fazlullah-led Taliban was started.

"Military commanders briefed him on the security situation in Swat and Peshawar Corps Commander Lt. Gen. Masood Aslam briefed him on operational plans," the paper said.

Kayani also gave fresh indications and directives to the military commanders regarding the operation, which is said would be aimed at rooting out extremists from the region. (ANI)