Editorial Note: The following news reports are summaries from original sources. They may also include corrections of Arabic names and political terminology. Comments are in parentheses.

 
3 Soldiers,18 Pakistanis Killed in Army-Taliban Clashes, in South Waziristan

November 7, 2009

Troops kill 12 Taliban (alleged Taliban fighters) in NW Pakistan: army

Sat Nov 7, 9:45 am ET

ISLAMABAD (AFP) –

Pakistan's military said Saturday it had killed 12 (alleged Taliban fighters) as government troops pressed a major offensive in the South Waziristan tribal area bordering Afghanistan.

Some 30,000 troops backed by fighter jets and helicopter gunships launched a fierce air and ground offensive into the northwest region three weeks ago and the military has since claimed a series of successes.

It said troops on Friday penetrated into Makin, the hometown of slain Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud who was killed along with some of his family members in a missile strike fired by a US drone on August 5.

Security forces were also consolidating their positions at Sararogha and its surrounding heights in the rugged mountainous region, the military's media wing said in a statement.

"In last 24 hours, 12 (alleged Taliban fighters) have been killed, and five soldiers including two officers were injured," the statement said.

The strategic town of Sararogha, was a former operational base of Mehsud.

Security forces also captured a 30-feet (10-metre) long tunnel and "plenty of ammunition has been discovered and destroyed" it said.

Pakistan, vowing to crush Tehreek-e-Taliban in the region, said so far 458 Taliban fighters and 42 troops had been killed in the offensive.

The casualty figures cannot be verified because communication lines are down and journalists and aid workers are barred from the area.

South Waziristan has been dubbed by Washington as the most dangerous place in the world.

The long-awaited assault on South Waziristan came after a spring offensive in the northwestern Swat valley. In July, the government declared the offensive a success but sporadic outbreaks of violence have continued in the valley.

The South Waziristan offensive has displaced more than 250,000 people and the the United Nations has urged Pakistan to ensure safety and security of civilians during the operation.

Taliban attack kills 3 Pakistani soldiers: officials

Sat Nov 7, 2009, 2:23 am ET

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AFP) –

Taliban fighters killed three Pakistani soldiers in an assault on a check post in the northwest as the military pressed its ground and air offensive, according to officials.

The Taliban fighters launched a rocket and gun attack on a paramilitary post in Torawari area of Hangu district late Friday, a security official said.

Three soldiers were killed in the raid, he said.

A senior police official said the attackers were Taliban fighters who came from the neighbouring tribal region of Kurram.

Security forces based in a nearby fort responded by killing at least six attackers, police and military officials said.

The attack came as Pakistan's military continued a major ground and air offensive against Taliban strongholds in the lawless South Waziristan region near the Afghan border.

Pakistan, vowing to crush Tehreek-e-Taliban in the region, has claimed a series of successes in its three-week old offensive, in which 446 Taliban fighters and 42 troops have been killed.

The casualty figures can not be verified because communication lines are down and journalists and aid workers barred from the area.

South Waziristan is dubbed by Washington as the most dangerous place.

Pakistan launched its fierce air and ground offensive into the region on October 17, with some 30,000 troops backed by fighter jets and helicopter gunships laying siege to Tehreek-e-Taliban bolt-holes.

The long-awaited assault on South Waziristan came after a spring offensive in the northwestern Swat valley. In July, the government declared the offensive a success but sporadic outbreaks of violence have continued in the valley.

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