U.S. sees new Pakistan combat drive in Waziristan

By Paul Eckert, Asia Correspondent

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Pakistan's military looks set to mount a significant combat drive in the Taliban stronghold of Waziristan, U.S. officials said on Friday and praised Islamabad's resolve against Islamic militants.

Several U.S. defense officials told reporters in Washington the Pakistanis were completing an offensive begun in April in the Swat valley and moving to a new phase aimed at isolating militants in other restive parts of northwestern Pakistan.

"The operations that appear to be underway now would be the largest operations that have been undertaken in Waziristan," said one official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The official said the Pentagon anticipated "fairly significant combat operations in South Waziristan" aimed at the network run by Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud, one of the main sources of suicide bombers that have plagued Pakistan.

"We think that the initial phases of that operation have already begun," said the official, adding that "We are pleased that this level of force is being contemplated."

Pakistan's military went on the offensive in Bannu district on Tuesday after some 800 militants infiltrated from nearby Waziristan, a hub of Taliban and al Qaeda activity.

U.S. officials, worried that the Taliban could drive nuclear-armed Pakistan into chaos, have welcomed the Swat offensive and see the move into Waziristan as a sign Pakistan has become galvanized against the militants.

Taliban and al Qaeda leaders "are under very significant pressure," said a senior U.S. defense official.