A second Pakistani Taliban faction calls truce

KHAR, Pakistan - A Taliban commander unilaterally announced a cease-fire yesterday in a northwestern Pakistan region where the military said it had killed 1,500 militants in an offensive.

The military was not available for comment on the Taliban's move in Bajur, which is a major transit route for extremists traveling to fight U.S. and NATO forces in neighboring Afghanistan.

It follows the introduction of a week-old cease-fire between the government and extremists in the Swat Valley, another northwestern region, in support of peace talks there.

The United States and other Western governments have criticized the Swat truce and talks, saying they could create a safe haven for al-Qaeda and the Taliban in the region.

Unlike in Swat, the Taliban in Bajur was losing ground in recent months, most analysts said, and the military has several times claimed to be close to victory.

Taliban commander Maulvi Faqir Mohammad announced the cease-fire on FM radio.

"We have decided to observe a cease-fire," he said. "I direct all of my fighters to stop armed actions against the government."

Pakistan is under intense world pressure to crack down on al-Qaeda and Taliban fighters in the northwest blamed for increasing attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan. U.S. officials also fear the region is being used to plan attacks in the West.

Earlier yesterday, the paramilitary Frontier Corps in Bajur announced it had captured the Bhaichina Heights from militant control, which it said had great tactical importance to the extremists. It was unclear if Mohammad's announcement was related to that operation.

A government administrator in tribally ruled Bajur said authorities were aware of Mohammad's announcement.

"We do welcome it," Faramosh Khan said. "If they will not fire bullets, we will also consider taking a lenient view toward them."