New Delhi: After army warnings of an offensive in 48 hours, the Taliban have completed their pullback from Buner.
Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan said: "I do not know the exact number of my men who left the area but they all boarded in 15 vehicles to return to Swat. We have withdrawn from Buner to show our commitment to make the peace deal a success."
A senior local official confirmed that paramilitary units were moving in even though local Taliban elements remained in the town. There are also indications the Taliban will move out of Shangla, but there's unlikely to be any concession on Swat.
Militants blocked an army convoy of seven trucks from entering the Swat Valley.
In Washington officials dubbed the exercise as meaningless. They said the Taliban hold over so much territory undercuts the government's authority. Officials also believe the Taliban has no plan as of now to overthrow but only to destabilise the government further and discredit it with the public.
Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke has reportedly told US President Obama that Islamabad is looking to the US for direction on how to handle this crisis. The Pentagon however believes that Pakistan is rapidly deteriorating and a military takeover remains a distinct possibility.
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