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Pakistan launches Taleban strikes Pakistan launches Taleban strikes
(10 minutes later)
Pakistan has launched air strikes against suspected Taleban hideouts in Buner district, less than 100km (67 miles) from the capital, Islamabad.Pakistan has launched air strikes against suspected Taleban hideouts in Buner district, less than 100km (67 miles) from the capital, Islamabad.
The aerial attack in Buner comes as tens of thousands of people have fled their homes in Lower Dir, another area which is seeing heavy fighting.The aerial attack in Buner comes as tens of thousands of people have fled their homes in Lower Dir, another area which is seeing heavy fighting.
Hundreds of militants have moved into adjacent regions recently from the Swat Valley, an area they largely control.Hundreds of militants have moved into adjacent regions recently from the Swat Valley, an area they largely control.
Western politicians have expressed concern over Taleban activity there.Western politicians have expressed concern over Taleban activity there.
The air force's move into Buner marks a widening of the government's offensive against the Taleban.The air force's move into Buner marks a widening of the government's offensive against the Taleban.
Earlier, the interior ministry said 70 militants had been killed in Lower Dir. Military spokesman Athar Abbas said their mission in Buner was to "eliminate and expel" the Taleban from the district.
The government believes the militants are seeking to expand their influence from the Swat Valley across the north-west of the country. Maj Gen Abbas said there were about 450 to 500 militants in Buner, in breach of a peace agreement between the government and the Taleban.
A government deal earlier this year allowed Sharia law to be adopted in large parts of the region in return for the Taleban laying down arms. Meanwhile, in Dir he said the military had killed about 70 militants and described the operation as a success.
The BBC's Mark Dummett, in Islamabad, says the government is complaining that the militants are trying to take over the areas bordering the Swat Valley.
The Taleban denies the government claims.
A peace deal between the two sides earlier this year allowed Sharia law to be adopted in large parts of the region in return for the Taleban laying down arms.
Western politicians - particularly in the US - were highly critical of the agreement, saying it gave too much power to the Taleban.Western politicians - particularly in the US - were highly critical of the agreement, saying it gave too much power to the Taleban.