Pakistan Captures ‘Mountain Stronghold,’ 15 Killed

'Intense Bombardment' as Offensive in South Waziristan Continues

by Jason Ditz, October 25, 2009

Officials reported ‘intense bombardment’ of the South Waziristan Agency by Pakistan’s military, as General Parvez Kayani vowed to cleanse the area of people with an “anti-state agenda.”

Today forces engaged in a 16 hour battle to capture what is being described as a “significant mountaintop.” 15 militants were reported killed, as well as one Pakistani soldier, in the clash.

Pakistan’s military insists the offensive is going extremely well, though so far they have only managed to capture one hilltop and a tiny village, and the village took over a week of non-stop fighting to gain control over.

Officials say they estimate that the conflict will only take another six to eight weeks, but concede that the offensive is open-ended. If past examples are any indication, it will likely go on well beyond the projected end date.

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