Pakistan army preps for South Waziristan operation

Pakistan army preps for South Waziristan operation

Amidst a renewed wave of suicide bombings in the North West Frontier province, the Pakistani army is gearing up for its long awaited offensive in South Waziristan - an area dominated by the Mehsud tribesmen.

Despite the death of Baitullah Mehsud, the leader of the Pakistani Taliban, the organisation’s ability to operate outside its region and sometimes across the country has not been entirely neutralised  - evidenced by the launching of two vehicle-borne attacks in one day, both detonating up to 1,000kg explosives each.

Intelligence and forensic experts have found clear traces of RDX used in the devastating wave of attacks in Lahore, Islamabad, and even the PC Hotel in Peshawar. Suspicions are high that the explosives are coming from across the border in Afghanistan.

Perhaps the recent attacks in Bannu and Peshawar - separated only by a few hours -  were early signs of  a wave of reprisal attacks. Around 15,000 fighters loyal to Hakimullah, who succeeded Baitullah, are also said to be preparing for a confrontation in this rugged and mountainous terrain. Qari Hussain, who heads the "suicide wing" of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan called the Fedayeen-e- Islam, has already warned in a telephone call to several local news outlets that his men were prepared to go into battle soon.

During the Eid holidays, General Ashfaq Kayani, the Pakistan military chief, flew into Waziristan to meet his men and to apprise himself of the planned operation from his frontline commanders. After the visit, it was widely believed that the operation was likely to start soon.

The window of opportunity is now small given the fact that winter is approaching: snow will soon blanket the mountaintops and the roads and tracks will become bogged down with the winter rains.