Mass exodus of civilians as open war begins between army and Al-Qaeda militants in Waziristan
Islamabad (AsiaNews) Today at 7.00 a.m., as the ultimatum expired, Pakistan's army initiated helicopter raids and tank strikes against enemy stations occupied by Islamic militants swearing loyalty to Al-Qaeda.
The early morning hours also saw the mass exodus of civilians from Wan (Waziristan) along the Afghan border. The flight of citizens was composed mainly of women and children. Some women said that militants and soldiers were willing to fight the battle to their deaths.
Meanwhile, nothing is known for sure about the passengers of an armored vehicle which was seen surround by several guards in the area. However, intelligence officials around the world are more than curious.
Pakistani authorities believe that inside the car was a person of great importance, without confirming that the vehicle belonged to one of the world's most wanted men and Bin Laden's right-hand man, Ayman al-Zawahiri.
Hospital sources say 15 soldiers have died so far, among whom were 2 army officers. This news however remains unconfirmed by military officials.
Meanwhile one of the most vicious wars ever against terrorism is being waged along barren mountain tops and valleys, as the Pakistani army finds itself up against a ferocious resistance.
The morning's strikes have caused division among members of Pakistan's Parliament split among those who support and those who are against the army's military operation against the country's own citizens. Mearaj al-Din, parlamentary leader of tribal delegates from areas where many Al-Qaeda heads are said to be hiding out, harshly criticized the government.
"Eighty thousand people have died in the Kashmir region without there ever having been a (citizen) revolt," he said. "And today we think the army has attacked tribal areas for no reason. This makes us fear that the tribal region will turn in to another Kashmir-style conflict."
Many analysts say that this strikes will lead to a successful anti-government campaign by the opposition, even if creating strong international support for President Musharaf's policies.
Some Pakistani secret service agents, who have made their way into the area, have reported that the high-ranking, protected figure was indeed Ayman al-Zawahiri while Mullah Obeid Allah Okhand, former defense minister in the Afghan Taliban regime, is convinced that Bin Laden's right hand man is no where to be found in the region. (PB)
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