Menu
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 October 2012
Pakistani Schoolgirl Shot By Taliban En-Route To UK For Specialist Treatment
A Pakistani schoolgirl who had campaigned for the rights of young females to an educations, is on her way to the UK for specialist medical treatment after being shot by the Taliban.
Pakistani Schoolgirl Shot By Taliban En-Route To UK For Specialist Treatment
A Pakistani schoolgirl who had campaigned for the rights of young females to an educations, is on her way to the UK for specialist medical treatment after being shot by the Taliban.
13 January 2009
Miliband Puts Pressure On Pakistani Authorities
Foreign Secretary David Miliband has called on Pakistani authorities to take action against those responsible for the Mumbai terror attacks. Mr Miliband told the government of responsibility that rests on its shoulders, and the importance of bringing the murders to justice.
Miliband Puts Pressure On Pakistani Authorities
Foreign Secretary David Miliband has called on Pakistani authorities to take action against those responsible for the Mumbai terror attacks. Mr Miliband told the government of responsibility that rests on its shoulders, and the importance of bringing the murders to justice.
22 February 2005
Australia to send more troops to Iraq
Australian Prime Minister John Howard has announced plans to send more Australian troops to Iraq. Speaking in Canberra today, Mr Howard announced that an extra 450 Australian troops will be sent to Iraq, to protect Japanese engineers working in the al-Muthanna province in the south of the country.
Australia to send more troops to Iraq
Australian Prime Minister John Howard has announced plans to send more Australian troops to Iraq. Speaking in Canberra today, Mr Howard announced that an extra 450 Australian troops will be sent to Iraq, to protect Japanese engineers working in the al-Muthanna province in the south of the country.
19 March 2004
Nato reinforcements arrive in Kosovo
As the initial deployments of additional KFOR troops arrive in the region, the Nato Council was meeting again today to re-assess the security situation in Kosovo. In an effort to bring the outbreak of ethnic violence under control as quickly as possible, additional troops from the operational and strategic reserve were being deployed.
Nato reinforcements arrive in Kosovo
As the initial deployments of additional KFOR troops arrive in the region, the Nato Council was meeting again today to re-assess the security situation in Kosovo. In an effort to bring the outbreak of ethnic violence under control as quickly as possible, additional troops from the operational and strategic reserve were being deployed.
08 April 2004
Hundreds killed as US troops battle with Iraqi militants
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.
Hundreds killed as US troops battle with Iraqi militants
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Low cloud, mist or fog at first will clear through the morning to leave a dry day with some prolonged sunny spells through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 21 °C.Tonight:Dry with clear spells for most places through the evening and overnight will allow the odd mist or fog patch to form. Coastal low cloud spreads into northern counties. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
