‘Zawahari Operation’ Intensifies

Reportedly, the Pakistani Army has surrounded al-Zawahiri and 400 militants. The army is conducting the operation with the support of tanks and helicopters, but Al Qaeda and Taliban militants along with members of sympathetic tribes have put up fierce resistance in South Vezirstan in Vana.

Pakistani intelligence fears that al-Zawahiri might escape by breaking out of the siege during the first hours of the operation. As such, they are searching house by house in Shin Warsak, where al-Zawahiri might have taken shelter.

Western intelligence resources believe that al-Zawahiri and Bin Laden are together. Pakistani intelligence officials counter that Osama bin Laden is not among the surrounded militants, but have not disclosed why they are certain of this.

While the death toll of Pakistani soldiers in the operation has increased to 15, the death toll of the militants cannot be determined. Despite fierce resistance, the Pakistani Army continues their advance.

As for the American officials, they are not hiding the fact that they are awaiting good news from region. Deputy Secretary of Defense, Paul Wolfowitz, remarked that the arrest of al-Zawahiri would be magnificent.