Taliban ready to attack Islamabad for Swat military offensive

Islamabad, Feb.11 (ANI): The Taliban has warned that it will attack Islamabad if the military offensive in the tribal areas, including the Swat Valley is not halted

Graffiti on walls across Islamabad have surfaced, warning of attacks if the military offensive in Darra Adamkhel and the Swat Valley is not stopped, The News reports.

Several religious leaders in the capital say they have been asked to either support the Taliban or leave the city, failing which they will be considered associates of the "pro-American Zardari government.

The Taliban has included the names of some Jihadi and religious leaders in their hit-list because of their refusal to fight against their own countrymen.

Taliban leader Omar Khalid has reportedly threatened several teenagers belonging to the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) to leave the tribal agency or face death.

The upsurge in Talibani activity and its stern warnings follow the brutal murder of a Polish engineer.

Diplomatic sources have revealed that initially Pakistan was ready to release some arrested Taliban fighters in exchange for abducted Polish and Chinese engineers, but due to US pressure, the deal could not be finalised. (ANI)