US sends mixed signals over Pakistani nukes future

as Pakistan continues to struggle with the Taliban insurgency, senior officials in Washington issue contradictory statements over the future of the Pakistani nuclear arsenal.

Top US military chief, Admiral Michael Mullen, on Monday told reporters that Pakistan's nuclear facilities were well protected. "I remain comfortable that the nuclear weapons in Pakistan are secure."

However, hours later, National Security Adviser, General James Jones, said the White House needed assurances from the Pakistani government that its nuclear weapons would not fall into the hands of al-Qaeda or Taliban militants.

The development comes as Pakistan's army continues to grapple with the looming insurgency near the capital, Islamabad.

US officials are expected to discuss the perceived vulnerability of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal with President Asif Ali Zardari during his three-day visit to Washington which began on Monday.

US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, has warned that the US was worried about the "unthinkable" in Pakistan - that the Taliban and al-Qaeda could topple the government, giving them "the keys to nuclear arsenal".

There are also reports of back-door plans in Washington to take over the Pakistani nukes in the event of any exigencies in the face of further advance by the insurgents in the violence-hit country.

The Taliban have announced that they plan to infiltrate into Islamabad and other major cities across Pakistan.