Taliban ousted from Pakistan stronghold

Pakistani forces, backed by helicopter gunships and artillery, have recaptured a strategic town from Taliban militants after fierce fighting. Military spokesman, Major General Athar Abbas said the capture of Kotkai in South Waziristan was a blow to militant leaders in the country: "The place was a stronghold of terrorists with majority of houses converted into strong bunkers. The town also has a training camp of Qari Hussain who is known as the mentor for suicide bombers." Kotkai has changed hands three times since the army launched a major offensive on Taliban strongholds a week ago, highlighting the difficulty of seizing territorial advantage in the rugged mountains and valleys near Afghanistan. The offensive is a test of the government's determination to tackle Islamic radicalism, and the campaign is being closely followed by the United States and other powers embroiled in Afghanistan's growing conflict. The militants have responded by stepping up a campaign of suicide bomb attacks and commando raids that have killed more than 150 people and wounded even more in the past three weeks.

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ITN | October 24, 2009

Tags:. .camp. .capture. .bomb. .islamic. .wounded