Terror groups operating from Pak grown bolder: US

Asking Islamabad to put pressure on militant groups, top Pentagon officials also indicated that the Bush administration may increase the strength of American forces in Afghanistan as it would make a “significant difference” to defeat the militants.

In the aftermath of last week’s attack on the US forces in Afghanistan that left at least nine soldiers dead, Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen said foreign fighters from the Pakistani side are moving into Afghanistan “unmolested and unhindered”.

Criticising Pakistan, Defence Secretary Robert Gates said Islamabad was not putting any pressure on militants who are launching attacks on coalition forces in Afghanistan.

The Bush administration is under tremendous pressure to increase its force levels in Afghanistan.

“We’re seeing a greater number of insurgents and foreign fighters flowing across the border with Pakistan, unmolested and unhindered. This movement needs to stop. We simply must all do a better job of policing the border region and eliminating the safe havens, which serve today as launching pads for attacks on coalition forces,” Mullen said.

“They’ve been able to train in a safer environment in the safe havens in Pakistan.”

Gates said additional forces in Afghanistan would have made a significant difference in the region.

“I wouldn't say that, no matter how many troops you put in, it wouldn't make any difference. I think clearly it would make a significant difference if you had additional forces.”

“There is no question that the absence of pressure on the Pakistani side of the border is creating an opportunity for more people to cross the border and to launch attacks.”