Pakistan’s security forces Saturday launched the long-awaited operation in South Waziristan, the stronghold of Taliban in Pakistan, the Pakistani army said.

Pakistan Army troops prepare to leave for patrolling during a curfew in Bannu, a town on the edge of Pakistan’s lawless tribal belt Waziristan, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

The army said about 30,000 soldiers are in place to take on an estimated 10,000 hard-core Taliban militants in the lawless area. About 500 commandos arrived in the region on Friday, security officials said.

Abbas said the operation is launched in six tehsils of the area and is likely to continue for six to eight weeks, but no final deadline can be given.

Local TV reports said the security forces killed 12 militants in the first day of the operation in South Waziristan.

In a press release, the army said four soldier were killed and 12 others injured during the operation in Waziristan.

In Swat, the statement said, the security forces arrested nine militants during the search and clearance operation.

On relief activities, it said, 312,446 cash cards have been distributed amongst the internally displaced persons (IDPs) of Malakand. But the army warned that up to 250,000 civilians are expected to dislocate in South Waziristan.

More than 80,000 civilians had fled from South Waziristan in anticipation of the offensive and the UN refugee agency said more people are leaving this week.

Nearly 2,000 militants have been killed since Pakistani security forces launched the military operation against Taliban militants late April after militants in early April entered the Buner district from the neighboring Swat district and refused to vacate the area despite their pledge to do so.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet