Konflikt in Nordwest-Pakistan
The Waziristan War (2004-present) is an ongoing armed conflict that began in 2004 when the Pakistani Army began its search for al-Qaeda members in Pakistan's mountainous Waziristan area (or the Federally Administered Tribal Areas). Clashes erupted between the Pakistani troops, who are frequently assisted by US precision strikes, and al-Qaeda militants joined by local armed rebels and pro-taliban forces. The struggle there is seen as a part of the War on Terrorism.
Timeline
In July 2002, Pakistani troops entered the Tirah Valley in Khyber tribal agency, for the first time in 55 years. They preceded to move into the Shawal valley of North Waziristan, and later South Waziristan. This was made possible after long negotiations with various tribes, who reluctantly agreed to allow the military's presence on the assurance that it would bring in funds and development work. But once the military action started in South Waziristan a number of Waziri sub-tribes took it as an attempt to subjugate them. Attempts to persuade them into handing over the foreign militants failed, and with an apparently mishandling by the authorities, the security campaign against suspected al-Qaeda militants turned into an undeclared war in 2004 between the Pakistani military and the rebel tribesmen.
In March 2004, heavy fighting broke out at Azam Warsak, near the South Waziristan town of Wana, between Pakistani troops and an estimated 400 militants holed up in several fortified settlements. It was speculated that bin Laden's deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri was among those trapped by the Pakistani Army.
The latest turn of U.S. involvement was an U.S. airstrike on the village of Damadola, on January 13, 2006. The attack occurred in the Bajaur tribal area, about 7 km (4.5 miles) from the Afghan border, and killed at least 18 people. The attack targeted Ayman al-Zawahiri, but he was most probably not there. DNA evidence showed that at least five high-ranking Al Qaeda foreigners were killed, including Midhat Mirsi, a bomb building expert, for whom a $5 million award was offered.
On February 14, 2006, Islamic State of Waziristan was proclaimed.
On March 4, 2006, Pakistani forces started a massive assault on pro-Taliban elements in the region. Pakistani officials said 46 militants and five soldiers died after fighting erupted, although some reports put the death toll at over 70.
On June 21, 2006, Pro-Taliban militants in the Bannu region of Northern Waziristan have stated they shot down a military helicopter that was reported to have crashed. The government denied missle fire as the cause, stating it was due to technical fault.[1]
On June 22, 2006, Pro-Taliban militants in the Bannu region have taken responcibility for killing an inspector and two constables on a road connecting the town of Bannu and the main town of Miranshah. The police officers were reportedly ambushed and killed while praying along side their vehicle. [2]
On June 26, 2006, a suicide car bomber killed nine Pakistani soldiers. Officials say that the explosives-laden vehicle detonated about six kilometres (four miles) east of Miranshah, the main town in the North Waziristan region. [3]
The Leader
Haji Omar is the Amir (leader) of the Pakistani Taliban that have risen over the last year to take control of large parts of Waziristan.
His writ runs virtually unchallenged in South Waziristan and he seems confident that his commanders will soon establish Taliban control in North Waziristan as well.
See also
External links
- Pakistan's undeclared war by Zaffar Abbas, BBC News, Friday, 10 September, 2004
- Dozens killed in Pakistan clashes, BBC News, Friday, 5 March, 2006
- A brief description of the Waziristan War which began in 2004 in Northwest Pakistan. From the History Guy Website