Replies

"This implies that you think that there is a central command for AQ."

No. Just in the Shawal. Somebody higher than Ghailani was.

"Is it really the case that Ahmed had made roughly 250 entries to the United States? If
it is correct it indicates that they are lacking loyal couriers and are risking to be compromised. The
conclusion is that it is a very small group."

I cannot cite sources, but I have read this at least twice over the last few weeks, from reports posted here. Interesting analysis. I can come up with others. but I like your's best, at least regarding the group of trusted couriers. Thanks for the take.

These visits indicates that we will see something big soon:
http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=72968

Fighters, forces trade heavy artillery in S Waziristan

Wednesday August 04, 2004 (0320 PST)

WANA, August 05 (Online): Suspected militants and military troops on early Wednesday exchanged heavy artillery in various parts of Southern Waziristan and massive causalities have been feared due to the continuing intense fighting.

In Shakai, suspected militants fired volley of rockets at the military installations. The troops deployed at Piyarzah fort retaliated the assault with heavy artillery. Fighting lasted for almost one hour. However, no damage to property or causality was reported.

Also, the Zalai fort, some 20 kilometers from Wana, came under heavy rockets attack by the militants.

Seven rockets were fired at the fort, of which two landed inside the fort premises. Five others failed to hit the target and landed at an abandoned place near the fort.

Army troops struck back at the fighters, who exchanged heavy artillery with the forces for almost next 50 minutes. Two military personnel were critically injured in the fight.

In another incident, some unknown assailants fired rockets at military camps at Zam Chana, some 25 kilometers from Wana, from western mountains.

Pakistan Army and attackers exchanged heavy fires for almost two hours. The fighting claimed massive killings on both sides but this could not be confirmed by independent sources.

Gunship helicopters were on the patrol after the fighting.

Meanwhile, people continued to suffer due to re-imposition of economic blockade in Wana on Wednesday as well.

An ailing woman belonging to Mastikhel tribe died on her way to hospital in Kiyarzah after all the roads leading to Wana were blocked by the local administration because of economic sanctions.

Vice chief of Army staff visits Wana

Vice Chief of Army Staff, General Muhammad Yousaf Khan visited Wana and other tribal areas in Waziristan on Wednesday, where he met officers and men of various units.

Upon arrival at Zeri Noor Camp he was received by Corps Commander Lieutenant General Safdar Hussain and General Officer Commanding Major General Niaz Muhammad Khan Khattak.

Vice Chief of Army Staff was given a detailed briefing on prevailing situation in the area and ongoing operations therein. The briefing also included various development works being undertaken by the Army towards uplift of the Waziristan Agency.

General Muhammad Yousaf appreciated the efforts of Army and said that people residing in FATA are patriotic Pakistanis and Army will do its utmost to improve their living conditions.

Referring to ongoing operations against foreign militant, he reiterated the Army's resolve to rid the country of all foreign terrorists.

Thereafter the Vice Chief of Army Staff visited Shikai Valley, Santoi, Mantoi, Khamrang, Angoor Adda and Alwara Mandi. He met the troops of various units deployed in these areas.

He lauded their perseverance and efforts both in development works and operations and urged them to continue their efforts with full commitment.