The Pakistani army on Tuesday launched a series of air strikes, ferrying in its tanks and artillery in South Waziristan to prepare for a large-scale offensive against al-Qaeda militants and the Taliban's stronghold along the Afghan border.
The military operation is expected to create a turning point in the years-long fight against insurgents in Pakistan and help to limit Taliban attacks on western forces in neighbouring Afghanistan.
However, analysts said that the offensive in the lawless tribal region will be a tough test for the Pakistan military’s fighting capability and the government's will.
Pakistani army spokesman Athar Abbas said the government had ordered the army to begin operations against Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud in South Waziristan.
The military has shelled both South Waziristan and neighbouring Bannu in recent days, although there have been no major outbreaks of fighting with the insurgents so far.
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