Pakistan steps up anti-militant offensive
Sunday, 29 Jun 2008 09:53
Tribal militants face action in Pakistan
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Pakistan's new government has begun its first major offensive against militants in the country's unstable north-west region.
The headquarters of prominent militant leader Menghal Bagh was destroyed in precursors to the operation expected to take around a week, according to the Associated Press news agency.
It follows a curfew, troop movements and road closures on Saturday in preparation for the offensive. The town of Bara, near Peshawar, is believed to be the focus of the operation.
Pakistan's new government, formed after delayed elections in February, is thought to be acting to allay concerns from the international community that it is not doing enough to tackle terrorism in its mountainous border regions.
Many of the militants in Waziristan and other areas are believed to be aiding the Taliban in their struggle against coalition forces in Afghanistan.
Analysts say the Pakistani government wants to demonstrate its commitment to confronting these groups militarily.
The move has not been met without resistance, however. The AFP news agency reported two Pakistani soldiers killed in a bomb blast in the Swat valley, while four others were shot dead.