Pak imposes blockade in Waziristan before offensive

American drones fired four missiles hitting a Taliban training centre run by top commander Malang Wazir,close to Gharmalai and Nandaran villages near Wana,TV channels quoted top local officials as saying. Nine terrorists were killed in the drone attack.

The American drone attack — the second in last three days — came as Pakistani Army continued to mass troops and armour for an offensive targeted against Tehrik-e-Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud,expected to be unleashed any time.

Among those killed were four Taliban fighters and five foreigners — two Arabs and three from Turkmenistan. But it was not immediately known whether Malang was among those killed.

Troops fought gun battles with Taliban fighters during “consolidation operations” in Swat and nearby areas which the Army earlier said had been cleared of militants.

Preparation for the big battle for Waziristan came as the Army also mounted further pressure on the Taliban,killing at least 34 terrorists and apprehending seven others as they continued their sweep to clear the militants from Kabbal,Kotlai and Tunda Banda area of Swat,according to a statement released by the military.

Army has closed all roads leading to Waziristan where sources believe that upto 20,000 terrorists are entrenched.

Media reports in London said that security forces had imposed a blockade on the region in an effort to turn tribesmen against Mehsud and to encourage people leave the area before the ground offensive begins.

Quoting local intelligence,the Times said the Army had blockaded all three main roads leading to Wana and were only allowing civilians to leave the area.

The US,according to Pentagon officials has offered intelligence and surveillance back up for the Pakistani offensive in Waziristan.