A convoy of Pakistan army moves on its way to troubled Swat valley in Pakistan at Rustam on April 30, 2009. (AP)
Pakistan has moved 6,000 troops from the Indian border for its battle with the Taliban, reports suggest despite a denial from Islamabad.
Satellite pictures now available with different agencies show that in the past 48 hours, Pakistan has pulled out two brigades or nearly 6,000 troops deployed on the Indian border opposite Punjab.
These brigades were brought in from Peshwar on Pakistan's western border in the immediate aftermath of the Mumbai attacks last November when Islamabad had feared an Indian attack.
The troops, according to an intelligence assessment, are being used to reinforce the deployment in Swat and Buner where the Pakistani army has launched an operation against the advancing Taliban forces.
Most analysts interpret this move as Pakistan's way of demonstrating to Washington its seriousness to take on the Taliban. This move comes less than a week ahead of Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari's crucial visit to the United States. During that visit America is likely to finalise a massive financial package for Pakistan.
PTI adds:The New York Times reported that Pakistan was moving 6,000 troops (more than a brigade) to fight militants on its western border with Afghanistan, quoting a Pakistani official who did not want to be identified.
Pakistan military, advancing on three fronts backed by fighter aircraft and attack helicopters in Buner, snatched the vital 8-km-long Ambela heights, which overlook most of the Buner. In fierce encounters so far, at least 120 militants have been killed.
The military campaign, launched under intense US pressure, came as President Asif Ali Zardari appealed to the nation to stand behind the current offensive against Islamic extremists.
Pakistani troops claimed making advances in Buner, just 100 km from the federal capital, after inflicting "huge" casualties on the Taliban, who retaliated using suicide bombers to strike back on the security forces, the chief military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said.