South Waziristan has an area of about 6,620 sq km (2,550 sq miles). It borders Afghanistan to the west, North Waziristan to the north, North West Frontier Province to the east and Balochistan province to the south. Its main town is Wana. It is an arid land of mountains pocked by dried-up creeks, along with sparse forests and rocky plains.
The People
South Waziristan has an estimated population of about 500,000, according to the most recent figures, mostly ethnic Pashtuns. Pashtuns in general are religious conservatives and have a reputation for being fiercely independent and hostile to outside interference. The Pashtuns are divided into tribes, with the main ones in South Waziristan being the Mehsuds and the Wazirs. Tribes are further sub-divided into clans.
The Fighting
The main Taliban bastion is a wedge of territory in a Mehsud tribal region. The heartland does not border Afghanistan.
The army is attacking from three directions, with ground troops backed by jets, helicopters, tanks and artillery.
