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19/03/2004
Pakistani troops engage al-Qaeda
Thousands of Pakistani troops are currently engaged in a fierce battle with several hundred al-Qaeda fighters and local tribesmen at the country’s border with Afghanistan.
According to news agency reports today Pakistani troops have met with tough opposition around the town of Wana in the South Waziristan area since the operation was commenced on Tuesday, but claim to be advancing steadily, reporting the start of house-to-house searches on the outskirts of the village of Shin Warsak.
Recent reports confirm that 15 Pakistani soldiers have been killed in the battle, which, according to local residents, has involved artillery, helicopters and ground troops.
Though resistance was weakening, Pakistani commanders fear this could be a feint designed to lure troops into an ambush and are proceeding with caution.
Rumours persist that Ayman al-Zawahri, an Egyptian doctor thought to be Osama bin-Laden’s right hand man and the ‘brains behind al-Qaeda’ is among the besieged militants. Zawahri is on the US "Most Wanted" list and suspected of involvement in the 1998 US Embassy bombings in Africa.
While Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf wouldn’t confirm Zawahri’s presence, he said a “high value target” was believed to be among the militants.
It is understood that US Special Forces may also be involved from the nearby Afghan side of the border.
(GB)
According to news agency reports today Pakistani troops have met with tough opposition around the town of Wana in the South Waziristan area since the operation was commenced on Tuesday, but claim to be advancing steadily, reporting the start of house-to-house searches on the outskirts of the village of Shin Warsak.
Recent reports confirm that 15 Pakistani soldiers have been killed in the battle, which, according to local residents, has involved artillery, helicopters and ground troops.
Though resistance was weakening, Pakistani commanders fear this could be a feint designed to lure troops into an ambush and are proceeding with caution.
Rumours persist that Ayman al-Zawahri, an Egyptian doctor thought to be Osama bin-Laden’s right hand man and the ‘brains behind al-Qaeda’ is among the besieged militants. Zawahri is on the US "Most Wanted" list and suspected of involvement in the 1998 US Embassy bombings in Africa.
While Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf wouldn’t confirm Zawahri’s presence, he said a “high value target” was believed to be among the militants.
It is understood that US Special Forces may also be involved from the nearby Afghan side of the border.
(GB)
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More than 35 US soldiers and 450 Iraqis are thought to have been killed in country-wide clashes between rebel militias and Coalition forces since the weekend, according to reports emerging from Iraq today. Around 300 Iraqis are thought to have been killed in Fallujah where US forces have been attempting to regain control of the city.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
