Guide Note

June 28, 2008: Pakistan launched a major offensive against Taliban forces in in the Khyber tribal district near the border of Afghanistan. The military action came in the wake of growing unrest and insurgent threats in and around the city of Peshawar.¹

Fast Facts

1. Pakistani troops launched mortar shells at suspected Taliban hideouts¹
2. Pakistani troops patrolling in city of Peshawar in case of counterattack by Taliban fighters²
3. Khyber tribal region a major route for U.S. military supplies into Afghanistan³
4. Area had seen increasing unrest in weeks leading up to offensive²
5. Described as a "clean-up" operation⁴
6. Pro-Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud called off peace talks with Pakistani government after the crackdown⁵
7. First major military offensive against Taliban in region since new Pakistani government elected¹