Top US security team due to arrive in Islamabad for crucial talks

Washington, Feb.10 (ANI): A high level US security team led by National Security Adviser General (retired) James Jones would be arriving in Islamabad today (Wednesday) to discuss America's latest strategy for defeating extremists in the Pak-Afghan region.

Jones is expected to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and the Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani during his visit.

According to insiders, the talks between the US team and the Pakistani leadership are likely to focus on the new US strategy, which is a combination of more military action against the Taliban and certain political moves aimed at reintegrating second rank commanders of the banned extremists organisation.

Sources said the US forces are also likely to launch a major offensive in southern Afghanistan close to Pakistan border, as per the American strategy.

The United States has also been pressing Pakistan to expand its military operations to North Waziristan, where it believes most of the Afghan Taliban and members of the Haqqani network are hiding. (ANI)