Pakistan army launches another attack in N Waziristan
Iran Press TV
Thu May 22, 2014 1:26PM GMT
The Pakistani armed forces have launched a second day of military action against pro-Taliban militants in the country's tribal areas, officials say.
Pakistani troops, artillery and helicopter gunships hit targets in the northwestern tribal region of North Waziristan on Thursday, marking the second day of military action against Taliban militants.
"Shelling is continuing since overnight as military has launched a search operation in Machis Camp," a local government official said.
The attack targeted a militant stronghold and suspected hideouts on the Afghan border.
A curfew has also been imposed in the whole of North Waziristan.
The assault comes a day after airstrikes claimed the lives of 71 suspected militants in the same area.
The offensive also comes as another blow to the peace talks between the government and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The talks with militants have made little progress since February.
Islamabad began talks with the TTP through intermediaries in February. The ceasefire began on March 1.
However, the Taliban ended the ceasefire that had originally been called to promote talks with the Pakistani government over putting an end to the seven-year-long conflict.
North Waziristan is a semi-autonomous tribal region in Pakistan, which is considered as a stronghold of pro-Taliban and al-Qaeda-linked militants.
Thousands of Pakistanis have lost their lives in bombings and other militant attacks since 2001 when Pakistan entered an alliance with the US on the so-called war on terror. Thousands more have been displaced by the wave of violence and militancy sweeping across the country.
GMA/AB
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