Heavy Fighting In The Tribal Regions Of Pakistan

Pakistan Says 460 Militants, 22 Troops Killed In Fighting-- Yahoo News/AFP

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AFP) - Pakistan's interior ministry chief said Friday that over 460 Islamic militants and 22 soldiers have been killed in more than a week of fighting in a tribal area bordering Afghanistan.

More than 3,000 armed militants, most of them foreigners, are taking part in the clashes in the troubled Bajaur tribal region, said Rehman Malik, the prime minister's advisor on interior matters.

Pakistan sent security forces backed by helicopter gunships and fighter jets into Bajaur last week amid intense pressure from the United States to curb militants launching attacks in Afghanistan.

"Extremists wanted to establish their hold in Bajaur and the government had to take action," Malik told a news conference in the northwestern city of Peshawar.

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More News On Pakistan's Tribal Regions

Official: 460 militants, 22 troops die in Pakistan -- Yahoo News/AP
460 Insurgents Killed in 10 Days of Pakistan Fighting -- FOX News
Taliban, Pakistan Army Battle Over Swat Valley -- NPR
Taliban leader in Bajaur rumored killed in Pakistani strikes -- Long War Journal
al-Qaeda Fighting Alongside Taliban In Bajaur, May Indicate A Prime al-Qaeda Enclave Has Been Discovered -- Strata-Shere
Exodus In Mohmand Agency Might Indicate al-Qaeda Presence -- Strata-Sphere
Violence in NW Pakistan triggers exodus -- Reuters
Thousands flee Pakistan tribal belt -- MWC News
Taliban, Al Qaeda Unchecked in Pakistan -- Washington Independent
Al-Qaeda Said to Use Regional Strife to Tighten Grip in Pakistan -- Washington Post
Pakistan's Musharraf to resign as president: reports -- Yahoo News/Reuters
Pakistan rupee falls to new low -- BBC News

My Comment: Judging by the heavy fighting and a large body count (so they say) of foreign fighters, this area must be a crucial and important area for Al Qaeda. The fact that the civilian population is now fleeing out of the region will make targeting these individuals easier. Last month's visit to Washington by the new Pakistan PM is now producing dividends. More importantly there is now a recognition from the Pak Gov't that the Al Qaeda and Taliban groups who are in this region are a strategic threat to Pakistan..

Will the Pakistani Army keep up with this intensity of attack .... I guess we will know in the next few weeks.