Thousands of civilians fleeing a military offensive in Pakistan’s rugged South Waziristan are reporting heavy aerial bombardments as the Pakistani army closes in on Pakistani Taliban strongholds.
The army said Monday that 78 militants and nine soldiers had been killed since the long-awaited offensive began Saturday, a battle that’s likely to shape Pakistan’s struggle against Islamic extremism and also could have a far-reaching impact on global terrorism.
Some have suggested that the 30,000 troops in the offensive are insufficient, but the chief army spokesman, Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas, said that, “We’re very confident that with these resources, we’ll be able to complete the operation.”
The Pakistanis, however, aren’t attacking Taliban and other militants who’re attacking U.S., Afghan and NATO forces in Afghanistan . Abbas confirmed that Pakistani authorities have an “understanding” with two Taliban factions based in Waziristan, led by warlords Maulvi Nazir and Gul Bahadur, who’re fighting in Afghanistan , not in Pakistan .
