|
Yargulkhel tribe rejects freeing hostages
Pakistani tribesmen in South Waziristan have refused to hand over 14 soldiers and officials until the army ends its 11-day offensive there. The Yargulkhel, who have been fighting alongside suspected al-Qaeda militants, rejected a plea by tribal elders for the hostages to be freed. Pakistanâs information minister says more troops are to be sent to the area and the operation will continue. Mohabbat Khan Shirani, one of nine elders negotiating with the hostage takers, told the AFP news agency: "Members of the Yargulkhel tribe have refused to negotiate until troops leave." The hostages were taken at the start of the army offensive last week.Posted by: Dan Darling 2004-03-26 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=29138 |