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Use force in tribal areas: U.S.

Washington: The United States wants Pakistan to use military force against extremists in its tribal areas bordering Afghanistan and has offered to help upgrade the country’s military to get the job done.

“We have to remember that some military action is necessary, and will probably have to be taken, that there are elements in these areas that are extremely violent and are out to kill Government people, out to kill Government leaders, and will not settle for a peaceful way forward,” Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Richard Boucher said. The bottom line of the United States as far as the north-western territories of Pakistan is that certain “fundamental conditions” would have to be met “irrespective of whether or not any agreement is in place,” Mr. Boucher stressed.

“No Talibanisation, no cross-border activity, no Al-Qaeda plotting and planning from the tribal areas. And we’re going to help the Government of Pakistan achieve that through whatever means that might be necessary. Al-Qaeda has regrouped in its Pakistani “safe haven” and is intent on launching new attacks on the United States, a top White House official has said, citing a new intelligence report.

“The National Intelligence Estimate [NIE] notes that the Al-Qaeda and its affiliates have sought safe haven in the Tribal Areas of Pakistan and replaced senior leaders and operational commanders that have been captured or killed,” Fran Townsend, Homeland Security Advisor said.

— PTI

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