Pakistan launches Waziristan offensive

ISN SECURITY WATCH (Wednesday, 5 April 2006: 15.05 CET) - Pakistani security forces have launched a new military offensive against pro-Taliban militants in the North Waziristan region, news reports said.

According to the Pakistani military, the operation is intended to flush out local and foreign militants.

At least five helicopters were assisting the ground troops in the operation, reports said.

Earlier this week, three troops were killed in an overnight attack on a military check post in the region.

Senior military spokesman Major General Shaukat Sultan told reporters at least five militants had been killed in the operation, while several others had been arrested.

Nearly 200 people have been killed in clashes or armed attacks in the region, including many civilians, since last month.

According to Pakistani officials, the region is a base for the Taliban militants from across the border in Afghanistan.

Pakistan has so far deployed some 80,000 troops to the North Waziristan tribal area.

Waziristan is also said to be a main transit point for opium and heroin smuggled from neighboring Afghanistan.