Context
According to reports, US troops have begun to mass near the Pakistani border of North Waziristan. Tribal elder Malik Muhamma Mumtaq stated that US fighter aircrafts could be seen flying over the tribal belt. Washington has stepped up its drone attacks in Waziristan since last week; four airstrikes have been reported in the region killing nearly ten people, including three foreign militants, believed to be connected to the Haqqani group. According to media reports, Obama’s government has not yet decided to conduct a ground raid against the group, similar to the one which killed Osama bin Laden. However it has been left on the table as an option. These developments have raised concerns amongst the local tribesmen.
