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Pakistan winding down Waziristan operation
Pakistani troops began withdrawing from some parts of western Pakistan on Sunday after militants agreed to release captured soldiers and politicians, but officials said soldiers will remain in the area while tribal leaders negotiate the handing over of foreign militants. Troops also began withdrawing from some parts of Pakistan's semi-autonomous tribal areas on Sunday after what officials called a successful operation, Shah said. "The main objectives of the operation have been achieved. They included destroying dens, searching of homes, taking people into custody and the recovery of gadgets and equipment," Shah said. He said the troops would regroup in South Waziristan's main town of Wana and would remain in the area. But he said between 500-600 suspected militants may still be hiding along the border with Afghanistan and he did not rule out military force against them. Shah said the army would continue to use a combination of military operations and talks with tribal leaders to rid the region of suspected al-Qaeda forces and allies. "The army will stay in South Waziristan until the foreigners are flushed out of the area and tribesmen harbouring them are captured. In the meantime, military operations and dialogue through the (tribal leaders) will continue," he said. About 10,000 Mahsud tribesmen met on Sunday near Wana, to help authorities track the perpetrators of an attack on an army convoy last week. Posted by: Dan Darling 2004-03-28 |
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