Pakistani troops say they have surrounded al-Qaida No. 2 Ayman al-Zawahri in an operation near the Afghan border.

The Associated Press reported the officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said intelligence indicated the Egyptian-born al-Zawahri has been cornered in an operation in South Waziristan involving hundreds of troops and paramilitary rangers.

In an interview with CNN, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said he had spoken with the commander of Pakistani troops in the region.

He said the commander reported "fierce resistance" from a group of fighters and there were indications that a senior figure was surrounded. (Photo Source: Xinhua)