Pak security forces blame Mumbai aftermath, weather for Bajaur stalemate

Peshawar, Feb.24 (ANI): Pakistan security forces have vowed that the Bajaur region would be under their control by the next month, and have attributed the delay in part to the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks.

Talking to media persons here, Inspector General (IG) of Frontier Corp. (FC) Major General Tariq Khan said that the operation could have been concluded earlier, but adverse weather conditions, and rise in tensions between India and Pakistan after the November 2008 Mumbai attacks hampered security forces' efforts.

He termed the Bajaur region as a 'centre of gravity' for increasing militancy in the whole region.

He claimed that Charmang was under FC's control as his forces had taken the strategically located village of Barchina, under its grip.

Khan added that several of the militant leaders have been killed by the security personals, in the military offensive so far, after militants had launched a major attack on them, last month.

He, however, said that the operation (to regain Bajaur) could take longer to conclude as militants are offering a stiff resistance.

"These are not deadlines, they're judgments," Khan said, while referring to the mid-March deadline. (ANI)