Pakistan Troops and Taliban Engage in Fierce Battles in South Waziristan

The Pakistani military and Taliban forces have been embroiled in intense battles in South Waziristan, with both sides claiming victories. The Taliban, led by Hakimullah Mehsud, insists on defending their stronghold to "the last drop of blood," while the army aims to eliminate the militant safe haven, blamed for terrorist attacks in Pakistan and sheltering al-Qaeda operatives. The battle in the remote region has resulted in the deaths of 66 militants and six soldiers since the offensive began, with reports of heavy casualties on both sides.

Key Takeaways:

• The Taliban claims to have inflicted "heavy casualties" and pushed Pakistani soldiers back into their bases, but the army denies these claims, asserting that 60 militants and six soldiers have been killed since the operation began.
• The Pakistani military is using airstrikes and artillery to combat the militants, who are employing guerrilla tactics, including firing heavy machine-guns at helicopter gunships.
• The battle zone is approximately 3,300 square kilometers, covering half of South Waziristan, an area controlled by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an umbrella organization of Islamist militant factions.
• The operation is considered a key test for the Pakistani military's ability to defeat the Taliban and will have significant implications for the country's civilian government and its Western allies.
• Local tribal armies are being courted by the military in support of the fight against the Taliban.
• The operation is expected to last two months, with the winter weather making fighting increasingly difficult.
• Pakistan's Western allies are closely watching the situation, as a defeat for the government would provide the Taliban with a propaganda victory and add pressure on the country's fragile civilian government.

Statistics:

• The Pakistani military has been battling the Taliban in South Waziristan since Saturday.
• The Taliban controls approximately half of South Waziristan, covering 3,300 square kilometers.
• The operation is expected to last two months, with the winter weather making fighting increasingly difficult.
• As many as 150,000 people may have fled the fighting.
• Over the last three months, the Pakistani air force has been bombing targets in South Waziristan.
• The army has sealed off many Taliban supply and escape routes.

Sources:

• "Pakistani Troops and Taliban Fight Fierce Battles in FronTier" by Ishtiaq Mehsud, The Associated Press, Pakistan (date not specified).
• Statement by Azam Tariq, Taliban Spokesperson, The Associated Press, Pakistan (date not specified).