Taliban Urge Displaced Pakistanis to Return to Swat Valley

The Taliban in Pakistan urged civilians displaced by fighting to return to the city of Mingora in Swat Valley. According to Pakistan's military the gesture was a ploy that would allow the militants to blend in with civilian. The military does not intend to hold off on its offensive in Swat Valley.

Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan told The Associated Press late Sunday and Monday afternoon that the Taliban's pledge was not a formal cease-fire offer and that the Islamist militia's "aides" would stay in the city.

"I would like to appeal to the people of Mingora to get back to their homes and start their routine life as we will not fire even a single shot," Khan said in a phone call from an undisclosed location.