Guns fall silent in South Waziristan
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Al Bhatti
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March 7, 2013
The site of Maulvi Faqir Mohammads house and Abbas Markaz, the training ground for the Taliban in Bajaur.
The Damadola Caves, used by the Taliban as ammunition stores and safe-houses
The destroyed meeting place of Faqir Mohammad.
The crevice in the ground marks the site of the first drone strike in Pakistan in 2006.
The small mountain where Faqir Mohammad held his Sharia court.
Site of Maulvi Faqir
Taliban stronghold in Bajaur now at peace
Stronghold of Taliban initially proved a tough challenge
The turning point in the fight against the Taliban came with Operation Sherdil launched by the Pakistan military in 2008 in Bajaur, the northernmost agency of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).
A stronghold of Taliban led by Maulvi Faqir Mohammad, Bajaur initially proved a tough challenge. Today it enjoys almost complete peace and stability. Because of the vulnerability of this particular area to cross border insurgent attacks, there have been sporadic attempts by Faqirs group. This is why there is continued military presence despite the lifting of a five-year long curfew.
Moreover, careful monitoring and a comprehensive grassroots intelligence system among the locals has now become a necessity.
Boasting the highest population of 1.2 million in Fata, Bajaur also has other geographical advantages. While sharing a porous border with at least five passes into Kunar province in Afghanistan makes it an ideal conduit for trade it also makes it particularly vulnerable. This geostrategic advantage played a pivotal role during the Afghan Jihad at the times of the Soviet occupation. The tribal linkages of Bajaurs Tarkani tribe with others across the Kunar River in Afghanistan has resulted in a free cross border movement.
While the lack of development and the apathy of the political administration are often cited as the reasons for allowing Taliban to make inroads these were not the only reasons. The dynamics that shaped the environment have also contributed. The first US drone strike in 2006 targeting Liaqat madrassa killing at least 75 children in Damadola was a key factor in turning the local population against the state apparatus. Promising speedy justice under the slogan of sharia, Faqir Mohammad swiftly consolidated his hold on the locals who were lured by his promise to implement Islamic governance. Between 2006-2008, Faqir Mohammads strength grew, as there was little resistance from the local security forces the Frontier Constabulary and the Levies who either defected or were butchered.
Moreover, the Taliban systematically targeted the age old tribal system, slaughtering the Maliks (influential locals) and the Masharan, the tribal elders. In Mamnoon valley alone, 50 Maliks were killed to set an example. With the state writ having eroded, Bajaur thus fell under Taliban control.
The decision to take military action came when Faqir Mohammad wrote a letter to Kabul asking for accession of Bajaur with Afghanistan.
There are a number of reasons this was not done earlier, which inadvertently allowed the Taliban to consolidate their hold. First, the government was not taking the Taliban threat seriously despite the blatant challenge to the state. Second, the delay in a military offensive was because the government feared a public backlash. Third, because of the Taliban control on the local population who were either too scared or unwilling to turn against them. Interestingly, the configuration of the Taliban at the time of the operation included 40 per cent locals, 10 per cent foreigners including Uzbeks, Chechens and some Arab fighters, 25 per cent Afghans and 25 per cent fighters from other parts of Fata.
The consequent defeat of the Taliban led to an unconditional surrender in March 2009 but Faqir Mohammad managed to escape into Afghanistan. His arrest last month in Nangarhar province by the Afghan forces is likely to help Pakistan. Unfortunately, Kabuls refusal to hand him back to Islamabad has generated another round of contention between the two. Islamabad has now decided to approach the Interpol to gain custody of the Taliban leader.
Given the rate of implementation of the rehabilitation and development work that is now being undertaken, things in Bajaur are looking up. The tribal agency is a good example of an integration of efforts of the security forces and the political administration. Jointly the two identified four grey areas that are being prioritised. These are:
Restoration of education facilities as illiteracy was considered a major contributor towards turning people towards the Taliban; confidence building of locals in security forces by ensuring their security; revival of traditional elder system and maintenance of security through kinetic operations with intelligence information.
It is hoped that these efforts succeed in turning around the lives of the people of this area.
Taliban stronghold in Bajaur now at peace | GulfNews.com
---------------
March 8, 2013
Inside Taliban caves in Pakistan
Gulf News visits the former headquarters of Taliban leader Maulvi Faqir Mohammad in Bajaur, Pakistan, and tours the training grounds and caves that were used as safe houses and ammunition stores.
Video: Inside Taliban caves in Pakistan | GulfNews.com
The site of Maulvi Faqir Mohammads house and Abbas Markaz, the training ground for the Taliban in Bajaur.
The Damadola Caves, used by the Taliban as ammunition stores and safe-houses
The destroyed meeting place of Faqir Mohammad.
The crevice in the ground marks the site of the first drone strike in Pakistan in 2006.
The small mountain where Faqir Mohammad held his Sharia court.
Site of Maulvi Faqir
Taliban stronghold in Bajaur now at peace
Stronghold of Taliban initially proved a tough challenge
The turning point in the fight against the Taliban came with Operation Sherdil launched by the Pakistan military in 2008 in Bajaur, the northernmost agency of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).
A stronghold of Taliban led by Maulvi Faqir Mohammad, Bajaur initially proved a tough challenge. Today it enjoys almost complete peace and stability. Because of the vulnerability of this particular area to cross border insurgent attacks, there have been sporadic attempts by Faqirs group. This is why there is continued military presence despite the lifting of a five-year long curfew.
Moreover, careful monitoring and a comprehensive grassroots intelligence system among the locals has now become a necessity.
Boasting the highest population of 1.2 million in Fata, Bajaur also has other geographical advantages. While sharing a porous border with at least five passes into Kunar province in Afghanistan makes it an ideal conduit for trade it also makes it particularly vulnerable. This geostrategic advantage played a pivotal role during the Afghan Jihad at the times of the Soviet occupation. The tribal linkages of Bajaurs Tarkani tribe with others across the Kunar River in Afghanistan has resulted in a free cross border movement.
While the lack of development and the apathy of the political administration are often cited as the reasons for allowing Taliban to make inroads these were not the only reasons. The dynamics that shaped the environment have also contributed. The first US drone strike in 2006 targeting Liaqat madrassa killing at least 75 children in Damadola was a key factor in turning the local population against the state apparatus. Promising speedy justice under the slogan of sharia, Faqir Mohammad swiftly consolidated his hold on the locals who were lured by his promise to implement Islamic governance. Between 2006-2008, Faqir Mohammads strength grew, as there was little resistance from the local security forces the Frontier Constabulary and the Levies who either defected or were butchered.
Moreover, the Taliban systematically targeted the age old tribal system, slaughtering the Maliks (influential locals) and the Masharan, the tribal elders. In Mamnoon valley alone, 50 Maliks were killed to set an example. With the state writ having eroded, Bajaur thus fell under Taliban control.
The decision to take military action came when Faqir Mohammad wrote a letter to Kabul asking for accession of Bajaur with Afghanistan.
There are a number of reasons this was not done earlier, which inadvertently allowed the Taliban to consolidate their hold. First, the government was not taking the Taliban threat seriously despite the blatant challenge to the state. Second, the delay in a military offensive was because the government feared a public backlash. Third, because of the Taliban control on the local population who were either too scared or unwilling to turn against them. Interestingly, the configuration of the Taliban at the time of the operation included 40 per cent locals, 10 per cent foreigners including Uzbeks, Chechens and some Arab fighters, 25 per cent Afghans and 25 per cent fighters from other parts of Fata.
The consequent defeat of the Taliban led to an unconditional surrender in March 2009 but Faqir Mohammad managed to escape into Afghanistan. His arrest last month in Nangarhar province by the Afghan forces is likely to help Pakistan. Unfortunately, Kabuls refusal to hand him back to Islamabad has generated another round of contention between the two. Islamabad has now decided to approach the Interpol to gain custody of the Taliban leader.
Given the rate of implementation of the rehabilitation and development work that is now being undertaken, things in Bajaur are looking up. The tribal agency is a good example of an integration of efforts of the security forces and the political administration. Jointly the two identified four grey areas that are being prioritised. These are:
Restoration of education facilities as illiteracy was considered a major contributor towards turning people towards the Taliban; confidence building of locals in security forces by ensuring their security; revival of traditional elder system and maintenance of security through kinetic operations with intelligence information.
It is hoped that these efforts succeed in turning around the lives of the people of this area.
Taliban stronghold in Bajaur now at peace | GulfNews.com
---------------
March 8, 2013
Inside Taliban caves in Pakistan
Gulf News visits the former headquarters of Taliban leader Maulvi Faqir Mohammad in Bajaur, Pakistan, and tours the training grounds and caves that were used as safe houses and ammunition stores.
Video: Inside Taliban caves in Pakistan | GulfNews.com
truthseeker2010
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i hope this time peace prevails.... and the locals are given political say and civilian be able to take control because as long as army is there peace will be there but that is not sustainable, civilians will have to come forward.
For Army 10/10.... you never disappoint us... keep up the good work and god bless you all
For Army 10/10.... you never disappoint us... keep up the good work and god bless you all
zakriaarshad
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So many so many incidents of killing innocent persons have taken place......
The peace returned after a lot of sacrifices ..........
The peace returned after a lot of sacrifices ..........
RabzonKhan
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That's funny, do you know how much United States is involved in helping Pak army in its efforts in South Waziristan.this is how terrorism is fought, learn USA! from pak army.
Here are some examples:
Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan
US continues to build new roads for FATA
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The US-funded Kaur-Gomal-Tanai-Wana road in the South Waziristan Agency (SWA) was inaugurated on Tuesday in Tanai by Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, along with the authorities from FATA Secretariat and Frontier Works Organisation.
Focus on rebuilding roads in Waziristan | Pakistan | DAWN.COM
Despite our relations, our aid levels are high, he said, adding that his organisation would continue building schools in Fata and KP, which was a very important part of the bilateral relationship.
He said that their assistance to Pakistan was in the interest of the people of both the countries and that it had been achieving great results. The USAID-funded projects, according to him, put 400MW to the grid last year, some 500MW would be added to the system next year, and one million children went to schools constructed by the agency over the past few years.
Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan
The sources said that WAPDA has also initiated construction of Waran Canal System as an integral component of Gomal Zam Dam Project, located in Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
They said that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was providing $12 million for construction of Waran Canal System in addition to providing $80 million to help complete the main dam, powerhouse and irrigation system of Gomal Zam Dam Project.
Power assistance: USAID may consider funding more small dams The Express Tribune
This was disclosed in a meeting between Wapda chairman Syed Raghib Abbas Shah and USAID Mission Director Jock Conly, according to Wapda spokesman here on Sunday.
During the meeting, Abbas Shah said that the Wapda projects are vital to meet increasing demand of water and electricity in the country and also instrumental in poverty alleviation in the under developed areas. He said that the assistance from international financial institutions and donor agencies can play a pivotal role in completing these projects.
He thanked USAID for financial support being provided for Gomal Zam Dam project and its recently included Waran Canal system, Satpara Dam and rehabilitation of the existing Tarbela Hydel Power Station.
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