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Details About the Current Fighting in Waziristan
From Jihad Unspun.... The operation began in the morning, and the Mujahideen had to initially retreat to defend their positions. According to Ausaf reporters based in Wana and Waziristan, approximately 700 Pakistan Scouts and other paramilitary forces began moving at 0400 hours. The armed contingent rallied into the area between Wana and Azam Warsak and surrounded the houses of Haji Sharif and Nur ul Islam, both brothers and members of the Yargil Khel tribe, a sub tribe of Ahmed Zai Wazir tribe. The brothers decided to hold their position, a gun battle broke out. Their stand prompted other tribesmen from around the areas to come to support the brothers and a full fledged battle broke out. The Scouts and paramilitary forces used armored personal carriers, while both sides used large amounts of rocket launchers, machine guns, hand grenades and other heavy and light and automatic weapons. Pakistan reported eight of their where killed and twenty four tribesmen however other reports put this number higher. There were reports of many others wounded on both sides. The fighting continued until night fall. When the fighting became too intense for the paramilitary, soldiers from the Zeri Nur camp went sent in however they were surrounded before they could reach the battle theatre and were unable to help to the besieged Scouts members. The tribesmen surrounded them and two of Pakistanâs armored personal carriers were damaged due to heavy fighting. Another Pakistani vehicle was also destroyed en route in an accident. Firing was still being reported at the timing of this filing. More damage is expected to be assessed come daylight. The besieged scouts have kidnapped 13 men from the tribes to prevent the tribesmen from launching further assaults. Local residents have started to move out of the area and women and children are leaving on foot to avoid more carnage. American helicopter gunships and armored personal carriers were heavily used in the operation. All roads leading to Wana have been sealed. Reports from Jasarat claim 30 Scouts are surrounded by the tribesmen and are in danger of being overrun and that the Pakistani government is in the process of negotiation with the tribesmen to secure their release. Jasarat has received reports 19 Pakistani soldiers were killed, not 8 as the Pakistani government is reporting. The news agency claims that there are piles of dead bodies littering the area and that ten of Pakistanâs vehicles were also destroyed. Some Chechens and Arabs were also reported to be martyred and Jasarat also claims that a total of twenty two Pakistani soldiers were wounded. more Posted by: Mike Sylwester 2004-03-17 |
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