Pak Army ahead of schedule in Swat operation, claims official

Peshawar, May 27 (ANI): The Pakistan Army has claimed that its offensive against the Taliban and other extremists in the Swat Valley is ahead of schedule as troops have forced the extremists back and have confined them to a very small area.

"Operation Rah-e-Rast is ahead of schedule and is forcing the Taliban to give up mentally and psychologically," Peshawar Corps Commander Lieutenant General Masood Aslam said.

He, however, did not revealed the exact time when the military operation in Swat and surrounding areas would be discontinued.

Lieutenant General Aslam also claimed that cracks have emerged among top Taliban commanders, and they are complaining against other.

"There is bickering among the commanders as one is complaining against the other for not sending reinforcements. We believe they could be betraying each other," The Daily Times quoted Lieutenant General Aslam, as saying.

Officials also claimed that differences have also creeped among the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Baitullah Mehsud and his ranks.

"Not only the TTP was experiencing differences in its ranks but its leader was also facing another serious problem with a tribal commander Qari Zainuddin challenging his absolute writ in the Mehsud area of South Waziristan," an official said. (ANI)