Taliban cleric in Pakistan issues warning

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, July 28 (UPI) -- A Pakistani Taliban cleric says a large number of suicide bombers are ready to take on the military if it launches more operations in the Swat valley.

The scenic valley in the North-West Frontier Province has seen much violence in recent months from Taliban militants and supporters under control of local cleric Maulana Fazlullah.

Appearing before reporters in Kabal village, the elusive cleric, who has mostly been in hiding, said a Taliban retaliation against a government attack would be more deadly than before, Dawn newspaper reported.

"Bullets will invite bullets while talks will be welcomed with talks," he was quoted as saying.

Fazlullah also said the jihad against infidels both in Pakistan and Afghanistan across the border would continue with zeal and spirit, the report said.

He said his Tehrik-i-Taliban Swat supporters are awaiting orders from the central Tehrik-Taliban Pakistan led by Baitullah Meshud.

Last week, Mehsud's group warned of severe attacks if the military operations didn't stop. A Mehsud spokesman was quoted as saying the local government must end its military campaign in Hangu, Swat and other areas in the region.

Mehsud also had asked the provincial government to resign. Officials rejected that call.