US Predator drones on Thursday struck the Taliban stronghold of Waziristan in Pakistan’s northwest killing nine militants, including five foreigners. The Army, meanwhile, continued its sweep in Swat where 34 terrorists were killed bringing the total toll to 43.

Nearly 100 suspected Taliban fighters were arrested on Thursday in operations launched by Pakistan security forces to flush out the terrorists from the restive region.

American drones fired four missiles hitting a Taliban training centre run by top commander Malang Wazir, close to Gharmalai and Nandaran villages near Wana, TV channels quoted top local officials as saying. Nine terrorists were killed in the drone attack.

The American drone attack — the second in last three days — came as Pakistani Army continued to mass troops and armour for an offensive targeted against Tehrik-e-Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud, expected to be unleashed any time.

Among those killed were four Taliban fighters and five foreigners — two Arabs and three from Turkmenistan. But it was not immediately known whether Malang was among those killed.

Troops fought gun battles with Taliban fighters during “consolidation operations” in Swat and nearby areas which the Army earlier said had been cleared of militants.

Preparation for the big battle for Waziristan came as the Army also mounted further pressure on the Taliban, killing at least 34 terrorists and apprehending seven others as they continued their sweep to clear the militants from Kabbal, Kotlai and Tunda Banda area of Swat, according to a statement released by the military.

Army has closed all roads leading to Waziristan where sources believe that upto 20,000 terrorists are entrenched.

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