Pakistan Army in conjunction with heavy artillery support, today intensified its attacks on the militant strongholds in the Dera Ismail Khan region of South Waziristan, near the Afghanistan border. Today’s attack is part of a large scale campaign initiated by the Pakistani government to eradicate the terror outfits operating out of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas or FATA. South Waziristan, which is largely a lawless area, controlled by various regional tribal leaders is home to the Pakistan Taliban and Al-Qaeda fighters, who have been carrying out relentless terror attacks on Pakistani cities.

The military offensive is also closely monitored by other countries such as, the United Kingdom, United States of America among others, who have been battling the growing insurgency, as part of the coalition forces after the liberation of Afghanistan in the year 2003. In regards to the military campaigns in currently underway in FATA, U.S General David Petraeus, commander of the coalition forces in the region today visited Pakistan and is believed to have conducted high level talks with the Pakistani military.

According to many experts, the fighting in the region is expected to last for almost six weeks and after the military takes over FATA, the militant resistance is expected to reduce. As per the estimates gives by retired Brigadier Asad Munir, former ISI officer, the terror outfits will most definitely try to carry out even deadlier terror strikes inside Pakistan, however, as the resistance fades away, the militants’ attack, support and logistical capabilities are expected to take a big hit.

As of now, due to highly volatile situation in the South Waziristan region, national and the international press haven’t been given access to the region, thereby making the claims of the Pakistani military, largely unconfirmed.

Via Reuters.