Troops closing in on bin Laden?

There are continued rumours floating in the capital that the recent operation against the Al Qaida in the northern tribal areas, coupled with arrests of militants in Lahore and other cities, are an indication that Osama bin Laden himself could soon be uncovered.

These sources insist such a massive operation was launched only after it was "pin-pointed" that bin Laden was in the country and probably in the tribal belt. The U.S. media has repeatedly maintained this is the acse, with Washington-based officials also backing the view.

As such, it is thought the operation against Al Qaida now being conducted is in fact aimed at capturing bin Laden. This also explains the degree of U.S. pressure on Pakistan to allow its troops to operate in the tribal belt.

Though Pakistan has consistently denied large-scale American involvement in this operation, it is known that Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents have been active in these areas along with U.S. commandoes.

At the same time, the arrests of activists in major cities are also thought to be aimed at avoiding a major flare-up of terrorist activity after the capture of bin Laden or other Al Qaida figures.

Various reports coming in over the last month have suggested an Al Qaida plan involves targeted attacks on cities, and that such action could be speeded up if Al Qaida leaders are held as a "sign of protest." Alongside a new series of mass arrests, police in Lahore have also been asked to maintain high security.

The Inspector-General of Police, Punjab (IGP), Malik Asif Hayat, accepts that "Lahore is vulnerable to terrorist attack given its location," and says that "all plans are on to avert any act here." While Islamabad has denied bin Laden's presence in the country, sources in intelligence agencies say an "elaborate contingency plan" exists, under which bin Laden would be whisked out of the country to the U.S. the moment he is detained.

The handing over of Al Qaida leaders arrested earlier, including Abu Zubaidah, believed to be bin Laden's deputy, to the U.S. is thought to be in "keeping with this plan."

Reports also suggest there is renewed optimism in Washington that bin Laden will be unable to escape the tight net now being thrown around him, with the operation in the tribal areas continuing, and now fully involving the Pakistani army.

A spokesman for the military has already said the death of Pakistani men in the conflict against Al Qaida and Chechen fighters had "strengthened the resolve to fight against this group."