After talks between the political administration of South Waziristan and grand tribal Jirga, the Utmankhel, Yargulkhel and Kakakhel clans of Zalikhel Wazir on Wednesday agreed on joint operation against foreign terrorists and the locals, who sheltered them.
| "Yup. Yup. We're gonna get right on it..." |
The meeting was informed that since the most wanted four tribesmen - Haji Sharif, Nek Muhammad, Maulana Abdul Aziz and Noorul Islam belong to Yargulkhel — the clan would be responsible for any guarantee needed by the government or fine under territorial responsibility. The grand Jirga and Zalikhel tribe appealed to the administration to get the support of Ahmadzai Wazir as their help would bring positive results. Talks between the political administration and Ahmadzai Wazir would be held here today (Thursday).
| "They're expected to last until three or four weeks after Doomsday..." |
Meanwhile, fresh contingents of army jawans from DI Khan have reached the agency headquarters. As the April 20 deadline for surrender of wanted tribesmen becomes nearer, uncertainty among tribesmen has increased.
| "Y'don't think they really mean it this time, do yez, Mahmoud?" |
According to reports, the 50-member Jirga of Mehsud tribe were also passing gas also met with the grand Jirga and played vital role in the agreement. The grand Jirga members, including Muhammad Ali Mohmand, Haji Khanazar Wazir, Waris Khan Afridi and Zarin Gul Mengal, hoped that the Wednesday breakthrough would bring positive results and the Jirga would soon achieve its objectives. Tribal elders promised to set up a 1,500-strong armed force this week to search for five local men wanted by authorities for allegedly sheltering al-Qaeda suspects. The government has given tribesmen in the South Waziristan region and in neighboring North Waziristan until April 20 to evict foreign terrorists and hand over their local sympathizers or face military action.
| "Youse guys are gonna get it! We're warnin' yez!" |
Inhabitants on Wednesday reported seeing a convoy of dozens of trucks and jeeps, some carrying heavy weapons and troops, headed toward a military base in Wana, the main town in South Waziristan, near the focal point of the March operation. Army spokesman Major General Shaukat Sultan, however, said the convoy was "routine logistics" to supply troops based in Wana, and denied suggestions of a new operation. Authorities have said any new operation was likely to be carried out in Shawal, a mountainous, forested area in North Waristan straddling the Afghan border, where officials suspect al-Qaeda fugitives might have found sanctuary after fleeing the Wana operation. Shawal lies about 40 kilometers north of Wana.
| Within spittin' distance. You'd think somebody'd have noticed any foreigners skulking around, but nooooo.... |
On Wednesday, about 300 elders from the Zalikhel tribe met in a Wana mosque with government officials and mediators from other tribal regions who hope to ward off another military operation by cooperating in the hunt for the five wanted men. Malik Ba Khan, a Zalikhel elder, said they will gather 1,500 armed men from the three main Zalikhel sub-tribes on Thursday who will help the authorities in the search. Tribal mediator Malik Mohammed Ali Halimzai said the force would probably increase to 2,000 men because they are likely to be joined by other local tribesmen. |