Pakistan: Troops sent to Taliban-threatened area

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – A government official says six platoons of paramilitary troops have been sent to a Pakistani district recently infiltrated by the Taliban.

Syed Mohammed Javed says the Frontier Constabulary platoons arrived Wednesday to protect government buildings and bridges in Buner, an area close to the federal capital.

A platoon typically has 30 to 50 troops.

Javed would not confirm Thursday whether the Taliban presence in Buner spurred the deployment.

Militants from the Swat Valley entered Buner in large numbers in recent days after a government-backed peace deal imposed Islamic law in Swat and surrounding areas.

The militants' movement has sparked concerns the deal merely emboldened insurgents to expand their reign.