Pakistan announces fall of key militant town

Sat Nov 7, 2009

Pakistani troops have, in a major offensive, captured Ladha, the last of three strategically important towns held by pro-Taliban militants in South Waziristan, officials say.

The operation in South Waziristan, which is considered to be the militant's main stronghold in Pakistan, has sparked a wave of retaliatory attacks in which 300 civilians and security forces have been killed within the past month.

The military says that it has advanced into the militant heartland from three directions and in addition to taking Ladha, has also captured the militant-held village of Makeen and killed 24 militants during a major ground and air offensive.

"Today, security forces have entered Makin. A large part of the town has been cleared while a clearance operation is continuing in the remaining part," the military said in a statement.

None of the details regarding the operation can be verified as the Pakistani military is the only provider of information coming from the frontlines with journalists and aid workers barred from the area.

The army offensive in South Waziristan was launched on October 17.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://edition.presstv.ir/detail/110643.html.