Offensive seen entering decisive phase

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Nov. 5 (UPI) -- The Pakistani military, claiming success in its South Waziristan offensive, says the three-week old operation is entering a decisive phase.

Military officials said the army plans to wind up the first phase this weekend after capturing all major towns and villages in the Taliban heartland, Pakistan's Dawn reported. It said the rapid progress of the security forces, which included taking control of major Taliban towns of Sherwangi, Kotkai, Kaniguram and Sararogha, and securing main supply routes, has surprised analysts and even some military planners.

Officials said the army is set to move into Laddah, the regional headquarters of the Mehsud tribe, whose member Hakimullah Mehsud is the head of Pakistan Taliban.

The Times of London quoted military spokesman Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas as saying the troops were involved in street by street fighting in Laddah Wednesday. He said more than 30 militants were killed in the fighting since Tuesday, while eight soldiers were wounded.

More than 300 militants and 45 soldiers have died since the Oct. 17 start of the offensive.

In an editorial Thursday, Pakistan's Daily Times said the army must not allow the battle front to expand, which would allow the militants to flee across the border to regroup in Afghanistan.

"The Taliban must be engaged within the territory controlled by Pakistan and the enemy must not be allowed to flee to areas where Pakistan army cannot pursue them," the editorial said.