MIRANSHAH, Pakistan - Thousands of Pakistani tribesmen shouted anti-US slogans on Saturday as they buried three of 24 suspected militants killed inside Pakistan by US forces operating out of Afghanistan.Mourners chanted âDown with infidel Americaâ and âLong Live Islamâ at the funeral held in two villages in the North Waziristan tribal region, 300 km (180 miles) southwest of the Pakistani capital, Islamabad. âThese 24 people are martyrs and our entire Waziristan region is ready for jihad (holy war),â Maulana Abdur Rehman, a local prayer leader said at the funeral of two suspects.
| "Tyrone, listen up, I'm going to have another fire mission for you!" "Yessir, LT, we're ready." |
The same day, Major-General Akram Sahi, commander of Pakistani troops in North Waziristan warned tribesmen of an imminent offensive unless they handed over foreign militants.
| Notice boys, that when we nail them there's no lashkar and no drumming. |
Lieutenant-Colonel Jerry OâHara, a US military spokesman in Afghanistan, said the militants fired 25 rockets, while US forces replied with eight artillery shells and fire from aircraft.
Pakistani officials said they were checking whether any territorial violation was committed by the US forces while hitting the suspected militants.
| Bet that their findings will be 'inconclusive', since they can't admit that they can't control their border. |