Taliban inching closer towards Islamabad, enters Shangla in NWFP

Islamabad, Apr.24 (ANI): Inching closer towards the capital city Islamabad, the Taliban has entered Shangla district adjacent to Buner in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP).

Police officials of the area have also confirmed the report.

"They entered the tehsil in cars and are still in the area," a police official said.

According to reports, after the district administration accepted Taliban's control over Buner following holding a 'jirga' with local commanders, the insurgents advanced towards Shangla.

Meanwhile, the Taliban deferred stationing of the Frontier Constabulary (FC) in Buner, as insurgents killed two police personnel in an ambush in the region.

According to Dawn, head constable Gul Saeed and constable Mohammad Yahya were killed when their vehicle, which was piloting FC personnel towards upper Buner, was targeted by militants by rocket and indiscriminate firing.

The incident has foiled government's inititiative to station troops in Buner to protect important government buildings and bridges in the region.

However, the Pak Army has said that the situation in Buner is not as bad as it is being reported in the media.

"Taliban is in control of less than 25 percent of the district, mostly its north. We are fully aware of the situation," Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas said. (ANI)