Pak Army all prepared to launch offensive in South Waziristan: ISPR

Islamabad, Oct.4 (ANI): The Pakistan Army is all prepared to launch a major military operation in South Waziristan, a stronghold of the Taliban.

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) chief Major-General Athar Abbas said the operation could be launched at any given time, and added the military would not like to disclose the exact time of the strike.

"It (operation) is a matter of the time which, of course, the military would not like to disclose or give any hint about," Major General Abbas said.

The Dawn quoted a military official as saying that there could be five to four thousand religious militants hiding in South Waziristan.

The official said there are about 1000 to 1500 foreign extremists, dominated by the Uzbeks was among these militants.

He ruled out any negotiations with the extremists and hinted that the operation would be a combination of aerial and on-ground offensive.

"Though the foot-tracks cannot be completely sealed, but the tracks for vehicles will be blocked and security forces around the area will remain vigilant to kill or apprehend the fleeing terrorists," the official said on condition of anonymity.

He highlighted the fact that the military believes that due Baitullah Mehsud's death the Taliban's back has been broken and the infighting, which followed after Mehsud's, has further decreased the outlawed outfit's strength.

"The rudderless leadership of terrorists provides an ideal opportunity to launch operation and inflict a severe blow to the terrorists," the official added.

Responding to a question, he said there is no need to shift troops from the Indian border for the proposed operation in South Waziristan.

"Threat from India cannot be overnight and the build up of its troops gives sufficient response time to us," the official ointed out. (ANI)