lennart
18-03-04, 00:53
(...)
But the present calm is just the beginning of a new storm. Tuesday's deadly clash between Pakistani forces and local tribespeople marks the first time in the last several operations, when Pakistani troops came down forcefully in South Waziristan, that they have been humiliated by the tribals - along with the Islamic militants who have already converged in the area and view the situation as a holy war.
(...)
Well-informed sources tell Asia Times Online that about 250 people, including a member of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) constabulary, the staff of a local political agent and members of the Khasa Dar force have been taken hostage by the tribespeople. Aside from the 10 soldiers killed in Tuesday's encounter, the bodies of 10 more people, including a confirmed soldier of the Pakistan Army, have been sent to a camp in Wana by the tribals. These were said to have been hostages who were killed in captivity.
At present, the area from Zarian Noor to Azam Warsak is in complete control of the tribals and Islamic militants. Sources confirmed that US aircraft near Azam Warsak can be heard flying in the distance and there is also a mobilization of US troops in Afghanistan near the Pakistan-Afghan border.
Though not confirmed, there are strong theories that US forces are taking position to strike inside Pakistani areas bordering Afghanistan. As a result, the hundreds of tribals and Islamic militants have also taken position and have arranged suicide squads in case US troops make a move. Informed sources in the NFPT tell Asia Times Online that in the neighboring tribal towns of the Bajur, North Waziristan and Mohammand agencies, tribals are getting their act together.
(...)
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/FC18Df08.html
But the present calm is just the beginning of a new storm. Tuesday's deadly clash between Pakistani forces and local tribespeople marks the first time in the last several operations, when Pakistani troops came down forcefully in South Waziristan, that they have been humiliated by the tribals - along with the Islamic militants who have already converged in the area and view the situation as a holy war.
(...)
Well-informed sources tell Asia Times Online that about 250 people, including a member of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) constabulary, the staff of a local political agent and members of the Khasa Dar force have been taken hostage by the tribespeople. Aside from the 10 soldiers killed in Tuesday's encounter, the bodies of 10 more people, including a confirmed soldier of the Pakistan Army, have been sent to a camp in Wana by the tribals. These were said to have been hostages who were killed in captivity.
At present, the area from Zarian Noor to Azam Warsak is in complete control of the tribals and Islamic militants. Sources confirmed that US aircraft near Azam Warsak can be heard flying in the distance and there is also a mobilization of US troops in Afghanistan near the Pakistan-Afghan border.
Though not confirmed, there are strong theories that US forces are taking position to strike inside Pakistani areas bordering Afghanistan. As a result, the hundreds of tribals and Islamic militants have also taken position and have arranged suicide squads in case US troops make a move. Informed sources in the NFPT tell Asia Times Online that in the neighboring tribal towns of the Bajur, North Waziristan and Mohammand agencies, tribals are getting their act together.
(...)
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/FC18Df08.html