Pakistan launches new offensive against militants

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ISLAMABAD, April 26 (AP): The Pakistani military launched an operation against militants Sunday in a district covered by a peace deal between the government and the insurgents, further casting doubt on that pact's survival.
The offensive in Lower Dir, which neighbours Afghanistan and the beleaguered Swat Valley, comes amid heightened US pressure that it confront insurgents on its soil.
A statement from the army said the offensive had already killed "scores" of militants, including a commander, and that clashes had left at least one paramilitary soldier dead.
The offensive came days after Taliban forces from Swat began entering another district, Buner, which lies just 100 kilometres from the Pakistani capital. The insurgents began pulling out of Buner Friday amid reports of possible military action, and threats that the government would scrap the deal.