Pak troops deploying in tribal areas for anti-Al Qaeda operation
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, Feb 21, IRNA - The authorities in Pakistan`s semi- autonomous areas, close to the border with Afghanistan have started deployment of troops ahead of impending action against terrorists, reports said. The government of Pakistan believed that still a number of remnants of Al-Qaeda and Taliban were hiding in the tribal areas. President Pervez Musharraf has even hinted at the presence of Osama ben Laden there. The local press said on Saturday that the focus of operation would be South Waziristan, where on a limited scale, an operation was launched earlier. Preparations for the operation are under way amid some reports that the United States was about to kick off a "spring offensive" in Pakistani areas to flush out unwanted elements from there. However, the Pakistani government has denied possibility of US involvement in this connection. In his recent address at the religious scholars` convention, President Musharraf said the terrorist elements, hiding in the tribal belt won`t be spared and will be dealt with an iron hand. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has already announced that a comprehensive plan was ready to eliminate terrorists from tribal areas. Islamabad shares over 2,200 kilometer of long terrain and rugged border with Kabul. Reports have been indicating that terrorists could indulge in cross border activities. Pakistan has deployed thousands of its army personnel and security officials along the border to stem the possibility of cross border infiltration. The local authorities in South Waziristan have said that the impending operation would be final to flush out terrorists once for all. Quoting a senior official, the Press said that regulars of the Pakistan Army, a brigade of which was already stationed, could only be used as a back-up. MHA/TSH/211 End
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