UP Ibalon Bicol: Pakistan steps up Waziristan campaign versus Taliban militants

Pakistan steps up Waziristan campaign versus Taliban militants

10/22/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

In almost a week, Pakistan military forces relentlessly battle Taliban insurgents in Waziristan, a known stronghold of Islamic militants at the country's southern tribal region close to the Afghan border.

The area is inhabited by about 10,000 Taliban fighters who battle with about 30,000 Pakistani military troops. Fierce resistance from the Taliban is sustained by these notorious rebels who try to keep control over Kotkai, a village-town from where Pakistani Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud came from.

Without reliable confirmation, Pakistani forces announced 115 rebels and 16 soldiers were killed so far in the fighting. More than 175 civilians reportedly died in various attacks by the Taliban. The offensive against them in South Waziristan was not the first in years. The fighting caused thousands of civilians to escape the area, about 16,000 of them in the last 3 days.

Pakistani authorities temporarily closed schools after two suicide bombers targeted the International Islamic University in Islamabad, claiming the lives of 4 innocent individuals inside the campus. About 20 students were wounded in the attack, most of the injured were women. (Photo Credit: Time.com/ Getty/ AFP/ Strede) =0=

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LABELS: war, Waziristan, Pakistan, Taliban, military,