Pakistan Ends Operation in S Waziristan

[tekisui]

Source: Times of India

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani army has ended its offensive against the Taliban in South Waziristan and may focus on another tribal area to where may militants have fled, ministers said on Saturday.

Targeted strikes will still be made if needed, they said. The operation in South Waziristan, which borders Afghanistan, was the army’s biggest in years involving 30,000 troops. Military officials were not available to say if it had achieved its goals.

“The operation has finished in South Waziristan. Now there is talk of Orakzai,” Prime Minister Yusaf Raza Gilani said in Lahore.

Pakistan’s military say 589 militants and 79 soldiers have been killed in the South Waziristan campaign since it was launched in mid-October. Security officials say many of the militants are believed to have fled South Wazirstan to Orakzai, North Waziristan and the Kurram tribal areas.

Orakzai is believed to be the base of Hakimullah Mehsud, leader of Pakistani Taliban, and a hub for al-Qaida and other militant groups.

more: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Pak-ends-operation-in-S-Waziristan/articleshow/5331732.cms

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All that and they didn't get any leaders, just chased them to other places. Kind of like we do on the Afghanistan side, chase 'militants' through the mountains, tripping on their IEDS. A true fool's errand.

[Adsos Letter]

1. I would guess that they don't get any of the leadership because

elements in the Pakistani military/security services tip them off; and because of the general broadcasting of operations before they actually begin.

But I admit I'm just guessing.

edited to add a friendly wave to tekisui, who always stays on top of these things :hi:

[tekisui]

2. You make a good point.

I think the signals are given in advance to protect the very elements that the Pakistani government ostensibly is targeting.

And a wave back to Adsos Letter!:hi: