Bad weather hampers operation against Al-Qaeda

BANNU: Amid the intensified patrolling of fighter choppers and taking over the control of Bannu airport by the military personnel, the military operation against the Taliban militants and Al-Qaeda members has been suspended owing to inclement weather on Pak-Afghan borders.

Reports reaching from the common borders said that about 23 war helicopters and 3 warplanes landed on Bannu airport on Wednesday to take part in the operation against the Taliban militants. In the wee hours of Thursday, some helicopters began patrolling in the areas of Jani Khel and other border villages. Some helicopters flew towards Wana in Southern Waziristan and other sensitive tribal pockets.

Sources informed Online that the details of this operation are being kept secret.

The army sources termed the activities as ordinary war games, which are aimed to keep the commandos, alert to face any untoward incident in the tribal belt.

Certain circles opined that decision was taken to launch military operation in the areas of Jani Khel to smoke out Taliban, which were allegedly taking refuge in the hideouts sprawling in these areas. However the situation is not clear. The heavy down pour led to the suspension of operation in Bannu and surrounding areas. Nearly 8 choppers and military vehicles had moved to Kohat with carrying commandos on Thursday.

The army men surround the Bannu airport and security has been tightened there.

The massive movement of the army men and helicopters has sparked unrest among the people of areas, as it is the biggest over military operation ever witnessed in these areas.

Meanwhile the security forces have sealed 4 kilometre-surrounding areas of the Bannu airport on Thursday noon with banning the entry of citizens.

The stepped up security measures and military preparations reflect that some major operation against the Al-Qaeda terrorists is imminent.

The Bannu airport has become hub of activities of security agencies.

The sources also disclosed that Security forces are close to initiate their operation in the areas of Jani Khel and Baki Khel in Bannu and three pockets of Northern Waziristan.