Fazlullah says he has reached Afghanistan safely

LONDON (SANA): Tehreek-Taliban Pakistan Swat chief Maulana Fazlullah claims he has escaped the army action lunched in Swat and successfully reached in Afghanistan, reports a UK based radio channel.

Maulana Fazlullah, who was said to be critically wounded by top Pakistani officials in July, told a UK based radio channel by telephone, “I have reached Afghanistan safely.”

“We are soon going to launch full-fledged punitive raids against the army in Swat.”

He went on to say that those claiming success for the Swat operation should try and prevent drone attacks and the US security firm Blackwater from operating in Pakistan.

“The authorities should beware, especially Mian Iftikhar Hussain, whose fate will be like that of Najibullah,” he warned.

Talking about President Barack Obama’s new Afghan policy, Maulana Fazlullah said there was no need for the US to send in more troops.

“Hundreds of thousands of Pakistani soldiers are already involved in furthering the US agenda in the region,” he said.

Maulana Fazlullah has been incommunicado for several months.

During this time a number of reports had circulated about his death and/or capture by the military.

These had gained credence after Pakistani authorities said he was mortally wounded in the army operation.

The Taliban denied reports that he had been injured or was close to death. News that he is alive and well is likely to be a big boost for the Taliban in Pakistan.

Despite Maulana Fazlullah’s claims, the Taliban are effectively destroyed in Swat. They are also on the run in their main stronghold in South Waziristan where the Pakistani military recently launched a major offensive.