Taliban issues ultimatum to international organizations to leave Pakistan

The Taliban of North Waziristan on Monday urged the International organizations in Pakistan to leave the cournty or face further violence.

The warning came a day after the Pakistani military announced Operation Zarb-e-Azb against local and foreign militants hiding in the North Waziristan tribal region on the Afghan border.

“We are in a state of war,” said Taliban spokesman Shahidullah Shahid.

“All international investors, airlines and institutions should immediately suspend all relations with Pakistan and leave the country, or they will be responsible for any loss or harm to them,” Mr. Shahid said.

There was no immediate reaction to the threat by the government in Islamabad.

Military spokesman Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa on Sunday announced the launch of the operation in North Waziristan.

At least 105 militants, mostly Uzbeks, had been killed by the army, and the area had been surrounded by troops, he said.

Surrender points have been set up for militants who choose to give up their arms, while Pakistan had asked Afghanistan to seal its border with North Waziristan, he said.

People were fleeing the area due to fighting, reports said.

The operation ended years of hesitation by Pakistan over whether to send troops into the region, considered a safe haven for al-Qaeda-linked militants.