Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Update: Pakistan's Battle Against Militants in South Waziristan

Troops face stiff resistance in South Waziristan By Sailab Mehsud
Dawn, 21 Oct, 2009

LADDAH: Troops and militants were locked in fierce clashes in several Mehsud areas of South Waziristan on Tuesday and the army said that 12 Taliban fighters had been killed since Monday night. Four security personnel lost their lives.

Troops trying to dislodge militants from their positions and take control of hilltops and strategic locations were facing stiff resistance.

According to an official of the political administration, the four security personnel, an army major among them, were killed in clashes in Toor Ghundai. Four soldiers were injured in Sherwangi.

Heavy clashes were reported from Nawazkot and Makin areas. The official said the Taliban had suffered heavy casualties in Toor Ghundai, but he was not sure about the number of casualties.

Sources said that militants had repulsed an attack in Kotkai area.

The Inter-Services Public Relations said that troops had seized a large quantity of weapons and ammunition and were consolidating their positions in Sherwangi after securing important heights.

In the Jandola-Sararogha axis, troops are consolidating their positions and extending the perimeter of security around Kaskai and Shisanwam. Terrorists attacked security forces from surrounding heights with rockets and small arms.

According to the ISPR, 21 mortar bombs, 22 grenades, five RPGs, two heavy machineguns with 600 rounds, one 75mm RR, 14 107mm SBRL rockets, 27 82mm mortar bombs, 100 rifle rounds, seven rockets, 900 machinegun rounds and 11 IEDs were seized in Sagarzai, Spinkai, Nazarkhel, Tarakai Ridge, Spin Ghara, Kund and Kalkalle areas.

Three vehicles allegedly used by terrorists were destroyed. The village of Khasura is being cleared of IEDs and mines.

Relief work: About 134,477 displaced families have been registered at six camps in Dera Ismail Khan and Tank districts. Five IDP camps have been set up in Nairela, Runhpur, Sheikh Yousaf, Mufti Mehmood and Muryali areas of D.I. Khan and one in Tank.

Related:
All schools, colleges closed nationwide - DT
EDITORIAL: Army’s message to the Mehsud - DT
Pakistan urges Nato to seal Afghan border - Dawn
Army cuts deal with Taliban factions - DT
US encouraged by Pakistani offensive against Taliban: Gates - AFP

UPDATES:
Dumbest Drone Strike Ever - Newshoggers
Missile strike could complicate Pakistan battle - AFP

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