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| India-Pakistan |
| Foreign Taliban lead fight against army in Bajaur |
| 2008-09-24 |
| Foreign Al Qaeda and Taliban fighters are 'infiltrating' into Bajaur from Afghanistan to join their colleagues in the crucial battle for survival in the face of an all-out military action, highly placed sources said on Tuesday. "Foreign militants are leading the fight against the army. The army action is beyond the local combatants' capacity and they need hardened and well-trained foreign militants," said the sources on condition of anonymity. They told Daily Times that the foreign Taliban and Al Qaeda -- Arabs, Chechens, Uzbeks and Afghans -- are being led by an Afghan commander Qari Ziaur Rehman. "He (Rehman) is leading the fight and he is calling for reinforcement from across the Afghan border," said the sources. "He is leading the whole show. He carries a lot of clout among foreign militants who mostly engage the Americans inside Afghanistan," the sources said. Tunnels: The sources said a network of tunnels was discovered in Tankkhata, Rashakai, Kerala and Loyesam, where the Taliban hold great sway. "They would fire at the forces from some house and then use the tunnel to escape the army's return fire. "These foreigners were interested in renting houses by the roadside, and paid Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 in rent per month. The purpose of renting houses along the roadside was to attack the forces if they launched action against the militants," said the sources. Pakistan Army's Major Murad Khan confirmed to Daily Times that "We have received information about militants crossing into Bajaur from across the border and they are mostly foreigners." When asked whether the Pakistan Army had informed the coalition forces in Afghanistan about stopping militant infiltration from the Afghan side, he said, "I have no information." The confirmation coincides with reports from Khar that most of the resistance was being offered by foreigners. The army undertook a leading role in the operation from September 1, after paramilitary forces made a failed attempt to take over Loyesam from the militants on August 6. Since then, 80 percent areas of Utmankhel, Salarzai and Khar tehsils have been 'cleared of militants', the sources said. However, tehsils Nawagai and Mamoond have not yet been secured against the militants. Unofficial reports say the government forces arrested some foreign militants during the action but their nationalities were not disclosed for security reasons. |
| Posted by:Fred |