Pakistani Taliban spokesman announces that Taliban militants will continue to launch attacks against government targets

A Pakistani Taliban spokesman announced on 31 August 2008 that Taliban militants will continue to launch attacks against government targets during the month-long observance of the Ramadan. The Pakistani government had previously announced that the army would suspend military combat against Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters in the northwest region for Ramadan and only retaliate if it is attacked. Taliban leaders have stated that they will not adhere to any temporary peace deals or ceasefires and called on the Pakistani government to work toward a permanent end to the fighting.