I was reading this article this morning, and figured some more details would be forthcoming. Keep your fingers crossed there was some real damage inflicted on these evil cowards!
Pak troops clash with suspected al-Qaida militans
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/003200407111755.htm
Wana, July 11. (AP):Pakistani soldiers clashed today with suspected al-Qaida fighters who attacked the troops with rockets and mortars in a tribal region near Afghanistan, an official said.
There were no immediate reports of injuries in the fighting in South Waziristan, where hundreds of al-Qaida suspects are believed to be hiding, among them Arabs, Central Asians and Afghans.
Pakistani troops came under attack this morning and returned fire north of Shakai, a village near Wana, the main town in the region, said Maj. Gen. Shaukat Sultan, the chief spokesman for the army.
Last month Pakistani security forces pounded militant hideouts in Shakai in a military operation that left about 100 militants and Pakistani soldiers dead.
Sultan said the latest fighting did not signal a new anti-terrorism offensive _ despite the militants' refusal to accept a government offer of amnesty if they agree to register with authorities and live peacefully.
Security forces and militants also clashed in the area late yesterday.
In Wana, residents said army troops fired artillery today from a base just west of the town.
"They are firing artillery toward the north. We don't know what they are hitting," said Jamshed Khan Wazir, a student.
Pakistani security forces have carried out several military operations to flush out militants from South Waziristan, a possible hiding place for Osama bin Laden and his top aide Ayman al-Zawahri.
This is a long article describing the complicated situation in the tribal area. I think that the stick and carrot method will work.
http://www.pakistantimes.net/2004/07/13/top.htm
5 Killed, Dozens Hurt: Clashes in Pakistan's Tribal Belt By Zulf Khan Afridi with Umer Sohail in Islamabad - Pakistan Times Staffers
WANA (South Waziristan): As the armed clashes between the security forces and the alleged terrorists continued in the South Waziristan agency on Monday, five more people were reported killed and dozens other injured in various areas in Pakistan's tribal belt. Those injured also included six members of the military and paramilitary forces with two of them as critically injured.
Nonetheless, the official circles claimed the things have been brought under control and peace and tranquility would soon prevail in the region.
As the helicopters and planes were seen flying over region, fresh troops of army and paramilitary forces have reportedly been dispatched to Shakai and they have taken positions at various points including nearby mountains.
Perspective
Reports reaching here from Wana speak of clashes between the paramilitary forces and the terrorists as well as those horbouring them at Shakai and Azam Warsak areas where both the parties used light and heavy ammunition against each other as the fightings gained momentum from the night between Sunday and Monday.
The government forces also used artillery against the alleged terrorists.
Inn Set Ablaze
Reports say a house near Shakai inn was set ablaze by the troublemakers on Monday morning. That house was reportedly used by some jawaans of the security forces, however no details of the casualties could be ascertained where as a pick up carrying members of the scout force was blown up by the land mine in Azam Warsak area. As the Pick up meant for transporting water to the outer posts of the security forces was destroyed completely six people on board the vehicle are reported to have received serious injuries.
They are identified as Mohammad Khan and Umar Gul from the scouts force while the Nisar, Ghulam Ghaos, Shah Wali and an unidentified victim, belonged to the Pak Army. As the condition of the two victims was stated to be critical, the injured were airlifted to Wana and then to Peshawar for treatment.
During the exchange of fires some of the shells landed at Mayamai area, a sub-tribe of the Ahmad Zai Wazirs, killing at least five people including a women and injuries to many others.
Fresh troops of the Pak Army, entered Shakai aboard 40 vehicles and took positions at different areas. It was reported that two ambulances and workers of the political administration also accompanied the troops. Meanwhile, Secretary Security Governors secretariat along with the parliamentarians and contingents of the FC reached Shakai valley on Monday.
Communiqué
An official press communiqué, issued on Monday from Governors FATA secretariat says.
Troops of Frontier Corps entered into Shakai Valley of South Waziristan Agency, on Monday, amid rousing welcome of thousands of tribesmen who had gathered to warmly receive the troops. They were carrying banners inscribed with slogans welcoming Frontier Corps in their area and denouncing terrorism. Secretary FATA Security Brig. (Retd) Mehmood Shah, Political Agent Asmatullah Gandapur, former Senator Malik Faridullah Khan, Maulana Abdul Malik MNA, tribal elders and officials of political administration were present on the occasion.
FC troops entered into the valley in the aftermath of agreement reached between the government and local tribes last week. Spekai, Khomakhe, Shodakai and Khojal Khel tribes of Ahmadzai Wazir while Miami and Malakshahi tribes of Utmanzai wazir tribe had assured government of all out support besides furnishing a guarantee worth. One crore Rupees with government. The tribes under the agreement have pledged that they will not provide sanctuary to foreigners and terrorists, protect military installations and assist government in development activities.
Elder Farid's Role
Prominent tribal leader Malik Faridullah Khan played crucial role in gathering the tribes of Shakai on a single platform and brokering the agreement. Addressing the bringing Senator Malik Farid Ullah Khan welcomed deployment of FC Troops in the area and expressed the hope that it would ensure peace and stability in the area.
He said that peaceful environment was the most important pre-requisite for the development and progress. He thanked government for giving Tehsil status to Shakai.
Malik Faridullah Khan urged all tribes to strengthen the hands of security forces for securing frontiers of the country and maintaining peace in the agency.
Matter of Satisfaction
Brigadier (R) Mehmood Shah addressing on the occasion said that it was a matter of great satisfaction that all tribes were able to gather for the cause of peace in the area. He said that government would not allow a few individuals to disturb peaceful atmosphere in the area for their ulterior motives.
He said that the government would soon initiate massive development works, which will change the socio-economic lot of the people of the area. He hoped that all tribesmen would abide by their pledge and ensure peace in the area.
Later Brig. Retd Mehmood Shah distributed foodstuff worth Rs. 0.6 million on behalf of the Governor NWFP among affectees and poor people of the area.
Operations steps up against Militants
And a report from Kabul sais Monday that the US-led military coalition hunting militants in Afghanistan Monday said Pakistani forces have stepped up their campaign against fighters in Pakistan's tribal border areas.
"We see Pakistan as aggressively pursuing terrorists in the tribal areas," US military spokesman Major Jon Siepmann told a regular news briefing in Kabul.
He cited the example of Nek Mohammad, a Taliban-linked tribal leader who was killed in a missile strike during raids in the bordering South Waziristan area on June-18.
Siepmann said the coalition force hunting militants on the Afghan side of the border was encouraged by the cooperation they were getting from their Pakistani counterparts.
Miscreants do not want peace in SWA: Sultan
Pakistan Times Federal Bureau adds: Director General Inter Services Public Relations Maj. General Shaukat Sultan has said that some miscreants in South Waziristan do not want peace in the area.
These are the few miscreants who think that peace may affect their personal interest. They are sabotaging the peace efforts in area, the ISPR DG told a British news network.
Speaks of Assaults
He said these people opened unprovoked and unjust fire on security forces on Sunday morning. The Security forces retaliated by using appropriate weapons. The exchange of fire lasted for sometime and later stopped. There is no report of casualty.
To a question he said, neither new operation is being launched nor the old operation is being stopped. "I want to make it clear that both the political process and the operation of security forces will continue," he added.
He said the foreigners are persuaded to present themselves before the government and get themselves registered adding their local facilitator should also stop supporting them and surrender to the government.
The Wanted Ones
Asked what is the number of the people wanted by government and are still at large he said, it is difficult to tell their exact number but there are some locals who are facilitating the foreigners.
There are some foreigners who change their hideouts from time to time. Their number fluctuates, he said. To another question he said the stick and carrot both are used in political process.
Elaborating he said, stick is for those who will not abide by the government laws and will have to face punitive measures which also include economic sanctions.
Whereas carrot or blessing are for those who cooperate with the government and abide by the national laws and help restore peace in the area. Development projects will be launched in their area, he added.