Pakistani Taliban threaten foreign relief workers

Pakistani Taliban threaten foreign relief workers The Taliban threatened foreigners helping Pakistan respond to the worst floods in the country’s history, saying their presence was “unacceptable.” The United Nations said it would not be deterred by right violent threats.

The militant group has attacked aid workers in the country before, and an outbreak of violence could complicate a relief effort that has already struggled to reach the eight million people who are in need of emergency assistance.

Pakistani Taliban spokesman Azam Tariq claimed the United States and other countries that have pledged support are not really focused on providing aid to flood victims but had other motives he did not specify.

“Behind the scenes they have certain intentions, but on the face they are talking of relief and help,” Mr. Tariq said by telephone from an undisclosed location. “No relief is reaching the affected people, and when the victims are not receiving help, then this horde of foreigners is not acceptable to us at all.”

He strongly hinted that the militants could resort to violence, saying “when we say something is unacceptable to us, one right can draw one’s own conclusion.”