Click to play videoNew Delhi: In Pakistan, the battle in Swat Valley between the army and the Taliban is intensifying. While reports indicate as many as 1 million people will be displaced by the fighting, there is now a new challenge - the Jaish-e-Mohammed could have joined hands with the Taliban in the fight.
The Pakistani army seems to be getting serious about the Taliban threat. Pakistan's General Athar Abbas says, "The aim is to take out the Taliban leadership."
For the first time the army is admitting that the Taliban are getting supplies including funds and equipment from the Afghan border coming in through Dir and Bajaur. Fighters from South Waziristan and Jaish-e-Mohammad jehadis from Punjab are also joining in the 5,000 odd militants in Swat.
The Pakistani army is rushing more troops to Swat and fighter jets and helicopters attacked militant positions for the second day in a row. The army claims 60 militants have been killed but says it is short of essential equipment.
General Athar Abbas says, "We need air mobility that can enhance our capability for shifting our forces. We need helicopters to chase the militants."
This is a pitch which has already been made by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari in Washington and US President Obama has responded with aid. Zardari is returning to Islamabad, his government's coffers enriched wtih nearly $2 billion in aid money, but US Congressional scepticism about Zardari and his army remains.
One of the reasons is that the military offensive in Swat and Buner coincided with Zardari's visit to Washington. There is concern in the US that the offensive could peter out now that Islamabad has got its money - the Taliban offer to lay down arms in return for Sharia law in Swat could be the signal in this case. Also there is the fact that Zardari and his army were always reluctant to fight the Taliban and preferred dubious peace deals.
Nonetheless, Washington appears to have no other options as of now. It has placed its money in Zardari's basket and is hoping he will deliver.
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter and Google+)
displayed with permission. Use of the CNN name and/or logo on or as part of CNN-IBN does not derogate from the intellectual property rights of Cable News Network in respect of them.