Pakistani extremists aid terrorists: US

One group Lashkar-e-Tayyaba, or Army of the Pure is an example of how Osama bin Laden's followers take advantage of scattered Islamic militant allies to maintain momentum, four years after a US-led military campaign destroyed al-Qaeda camps in

Afghanistan.

Lashkar is among the organisations fighting for the disputed region of

Kashmir. US officials say the group stands out for a number of reasons, including its missionary work and other involvement outside the area.

Elements of Pakistan's intelligence services have supported Lashkar in the past. Pakistan's president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, banned Lashkar in 2002 for its alleged links to an attack on India's parliament.

Lashkar leaders insist the group's focus is freeing Muslims in Indian-controlled Kashmir not attacks on the West. Pakistani officials say the group is local, not international.

Pakistan's ambassador to the US, Jehangir Karamat, said in an Associated Press interview that he considers Lashkar incapable of international terrorism and particularly of working with al-Qaeda because the groups have different languages and agendas.