Operation Rah-e-Nijat (South Waziristan)

[fatman17]

ASIA PACIFIC
Date Posted: 22-Jan-2010

Jane's Defence Weekly

Pakistan seeks more US weaponry to fight militants

Farhan Bokhari JDW Correspondent - Islamabad

Pakistan has renewed calls for the United States to provide it with additional helicopters, night-vision equipment, body armour and light- to medium-sized weapons to enable its forces to widen the country's campaign against Taliban militants in areas along the Afghan border, a government minister told Jane's on 22 January.

The renewed request was passed on to US officials and coincided with a visit by US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who arrived in Islamabad on 21 January for two days of meetings with Pakistan's civil and military leaders.

In public, Pakistan's civil and military officials have said there are no plans for an imminent campaign targeting the north Waziristan area along the Afghan border. The US appears to be urgently seeking such a campaign following the 30 December 2009 suicide bombing at a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) camp in Afghanistan's eastern Khost province that killed seven CIA employees.

Following the attack, the Jordanian militant who blew himself up at the CIA camp was seen in a video with Hakeemullah Mehsud, leader of the Taliban militants on the Pakistani side of the country's border with Afghanistan.

"The US is, of course, eager for action in north Waziristan and the pressure has grown since the attack on Khost, but to launch such a campaign we need to have our troops properly equipped," said one Pakistani minister who spoke to Jane's on condition of anonymity.

A Western defence official in Islamabad said the US is increasingly anxious to seek more active co-operation from Pakistan as it prepares for a surge of its troops in Afghanistan under a new strategy endorsed by US President Barack Obama.

Additional US troops will inevitably require greater Pakistani support, for example in overseeing more convoys carrying supplies for Afghanistan-based US troops being driven through Pakistan, said the Western defence official. While the US has tried to establish alternative supply routes through Central Asia, it still principally relies on convoys routed via Pakistan.

"There is an interesting coincidence of many factors," noted the official. "The US sees Pakistan as part of the problem because there are Taliban militants operating on Pakistani soil, but [the US] also realises any campaign in Afghanistan cannot succeed without Pakistan's help."

 

[Silent observer]

Taliban lose key hilltop in Bajaur
Tuesday, February 02, 2010, THE NEWS
14 militants killed, hideouts destroyed


KHAR: Security forces backed by gunship helicopters and fighter jets took control of a strategically important hilltop in Khaza Sar and Damadola in the Mamond subdivision of Bajaur Agency after fierce clashes with militants on Monday.

Official sources told The News that security forces also killed 14 militants and apprehended 27 others while a number of hideouts were destroyed in the daylong action in the troubled Damadola and adjoining areas.

The sources said security forces heavily bombed the suspected hideouts of the militants with gunship helicopters and fighter planes in Damadola, Jani Shah and adjoining areas in Mamond subdivision.

Seven militants were killed and several of their hideouts were destroyed in the blitz. Security forces also targeted the militants’ positions with artillery throughout Sunday night and killed seven more militants.

The sources said security forces took control of Damadola after a fierce clash with the militants, who were forced to flee the area early in the day. Later, security forces established points in Damadola and on the hilltop in Khaza Sar and hoisted the national flag after several years of the Taliban’s hold in the area.

Security forces also strengthened their positions in Sewai, the erstwhile stronghold of the Taliban fighters, by deploying more troops. According to reports, security forces had started patrolling the Sewai and Damadola areas, where the militants had earlier set up parallel judicial system and training camps.

Security forces carried out a search operation and arrested 27 militants, who were later shifted to a secret place for interrogation. The sources said the residents of Dabar, Sasaray, Khararai Jalawana and Bar Cham areas in Mamond had started migrating to safer places.

The authorities clamped curfew in Khar town and the adjoining areas for the third consecutive day. All the government institutions and departments, trade centres and business markets were closed.

The sources added that the militants fired several rockets at the security checkpoints established in Khar and Bar Killay College. The rockets, however, missed the target and landed in the fields.


congrats Pak army and pakistan

 

[fatman17]

already posted!!!

 

[air marshal]

Two terrorists arrested in ongoing operations

ISLAMABAD, Feb 2 (APP): During the last 24 hours, security forces conducted search and clearance operation at Jani Khel, Mianwali, Shekh Niazi, Hawid and apprehended one suspect in operation Rah-e-Nijat in South Waziristan. Terrorists fired with small arms on security forces checkpost near Baire Sar near Sararogha, which was effectively responded.

In Shakai sector, security forces cleared Asman Manza near Kaniguram.

In Razmak sector, security forces carried out consolidation of their positions in Razmak Sector.

Security forces carried out search and clearance operation at Ghuzkas and apprehended a suspect in operation Rah-e-Rast in Malakand.

One suspected terrorist voluntarily surrendered to security forces at Khawazakhela.

Security forces conducted search and clearance operation at Sehdarra, Kabal Khu, area around Dabsar and recovered cache of arms and ammunition.

 

[Silent observer]

some recent updates

Pakistan has reversed Taliban gains: Mullen
THE NEWS, Updated at: 0530 PST, Wednesday, February 03, 2010



WASHINGTON: Pakistan has reversed the Taliban territorial gains through a series of military operations, Chairman US Joint Chiefs Staff Admiral Mike Mullen said on Tuesday at a Congressional hearing, where he also advocated Washington’s help towards resolving the Indo-Pak tensions for South Asian stability.

The top American military officer, however, warned that the Afghan Taliban were gaining influence in Afghanistan and security situation in the region remained serious. Mullen also urged a long-term US commitment to Pakistan as he appeared with Defence Secretary Robert Gates to testify on President Barack Obama’s 2010-11 requests for $192 billion for Afghanistan and Iraq wars in the next year and a half.

“South Asian security tensions and political dynamics significantly impact our objectives in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The longstanding animosity and mistrust between Pakistan and India complicates regional efforts,” Mullen told the Senate Armed Services Committee in a prepared statement. Yet, he stated: “India and Pakistan must both be our partners for the long term.”

Mullen described bilateral military relationships an essential component in a wide array of cooperative activities. “We must recognise this and address it as part of our policy,” he added. He called for supporting moves to improve trust between the two South Asian nuclear powers.

“While we acknowledge the sovereign right of India and Pakistan to pursue their own foreign policies, we must demonstrate our desire for continued and long-term partnership with each, and offer our help to improve confidence and understanding between them in a manner that builds long-term stability across the wider region of South Asia.”

“As part of our long-term regional approach, we should welcome all steps these important nations take to regenerate their ëback channelí process on Kashmir.”On Pakistan’s fight against militants, Mullen, who has made several visits to the country, lauded the efficacy of Islamabad’s actions.

“The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (the Pakistan Taliban) showed itself to be a bold and audacious enemy of the Pakistani people, ruthlessly seizing control of Swat in late spring. Nine Pakistani military operations against the Taliban that began last March have reversed their territorial gains,” he said.

Pakistan’s ongoing military operations against extremists in these areas are critical to preventing al-Qaeda and associated groups from gaining ground, he stressed.

Mullen cited some successes against the Taliban and al-Qaeda along the border region but observed “the threats to our national security from al-Qaeda and affiliated movements based in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region remain real and persistent.” He said the security situation there remains serious.



17 die as drones rain 18 missiles on NWA

The news, Wednesday, February 03, 2010


MIRAMSHAH/PESHAWAR: In the biggest attack so far by the American spy planes in the Pakistani tribal areas, the US drones on Tuesday rained a barrage of missiles on different locations of Dattakhel Tehsil of North Waziristan Agency (NWA), killing 17 people, including militants, and injuring several others.

Government officials in Miramshah, the main town of North Waziristan, said nine spy planes took part in the brazen attack, firing 18 missiles and causing heavy human loss.

They feared the death toll could rise as rescue work could not be started in some of the places due to fear of more missile strikes by the unmanned spy aircraft. Besides the militants, several villagers were said to be among the victims. The villagers came under attack from the drones while approaching the spot to help retrieve the bodies and the injured from the rubble of the collapsed houses.

Tribesmen in Miramshah said the town echoed with heavy explosions when the missiles were fired. They said a series of explosions were heard in distant villages of the restive North Waziristan tribal region.

Officials said the Deegan village in Dattakhel Tehsil, where the Taliban last week claimed to have shot down a US drone, suffered the most. The drones fired eight missiles, hitting several houses and vehicles parked inside the mud-walled buildings.

Deegan, which is located about 30 kilometres west of Miramshah, has always been the prime target of US drones. “Deegan is considered to be a stronghold of the Taliban but we don’t know whether those killed were militants or villagers,” said a government official, who declined to be named. He said most of the targeted places were located in the mountains.

After Deegan, Thooth Narray village in the same vicinity, also suffered when drones fired four missiles at targets there. Officials said four houses were attacked in the village, leaving seven people dead and six injured.

Similarly, the US spy planes struck suspected hideouts of militants in Mohammad Khel and Khar Kamar villages. In Mohammad Khel village, a drone reportedly fired two missiles on villagers, who had come out of their houses after the first drone attack and were on their way to help retrieve the bodies and injured from the collapsed houses.

Tribal sources said the drones had been flying over the area since early morning and the militants were seen firing at the planes from their anti-aircraft guns, which they had installed on double-cabin trucks.

Officials said they could not gather exact details about human and material losses in Tuesday’s attacks due to lack of physical presence of the government in the area. “We don’t have any physical presence in the area and then there is no telephone facility. We do have our security personnel deployed on their checkpoints on hilltops but they are away from the area where drones played havoc,” a government official explained.

An intelligence official said on condition of anonymity that the drones mostly targeted small posts set up by the militants. He said it appeared the US forces in Afghanistan wanted to avenge the loss of their drone, which the militants had allegedly shot down in the same area a few days ago.

He said initial reports indicated that most of the people killed in Tuesday’s missile strikes were either low-level militants or poor villagers. “I did not hear that any big name had died,” he claimed. It was the biggest missile attack by the CIA-operated spy planes in the tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan.


Regards

 

[fatman17]

Pakistan Security Brief - February 2, 2010


Speculation over Hakimullah Mehsud’s death continues; fighting intensifies in Bajaur; militant faction in North Waziristan warns of a “big war”; Karachi violence escalates; Pakistan’s army chief describes Pakistan’s role in Afghanistan.

Speculation over the death of Hakimullah Mehsud continued on Monday. TTP spokesman Azam Tariq said that the Taliban feel no need to release a video even though Hakimullah is alive, but the group may do so at a future date. Reports surfacing in Orakzai Agency claim a local Taliban commander, Malik Noor Jamal (known as Maulana Toofan), will lead the TTP until the organization decides how to proceed. Another report, with reference to a Pakistani and American official, says the Taliban held meetings on Monday to determine a new leader for the organization.[1]

Following several days of intense fighting, Pakistani security forces overran a key Taliban base in Bajaur Agency on Sunday night. Troops captured the Sewai area in Mamund district, and officials said security forces captured several surrounding areas as troops continued the operation on Monday. Security forces are now believed to be advancing towards a main training area for militants in Damadola district of Bajaur.[2]

The North Waziristan faction of the Shura Ittihadul Mujahideen expressed frustration over what it sees as violations of a peace accord with the Pakistani government. The group warned of a “big war” if the government continued to disregard the peace agreement.[3]

Pakistan’s army chief, General Ashfaq Kiyani, addressed reporters in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, highlighting Pakistan’s commitment towards a stable and secure Afghanistan. General Kiyani said, among other things, that he would like Pakistani troops to begin training new Afghan soldiers alongside US forces.[5]

 

[Silent observer]

Militants attack checkpoint in Mohmand


Thursday, February 04, 2010
Our correspondent, The news

GHALLANAI: Militants on Wednesday fired several rockets at Mamad Gat Camp and Dojangi checkpoint while security forces demolished several houses in Qandharo area in Mohmand’s Safi subdivision.

Official sources said the militants attacked the camp from Soran Darra with rocket launchers. They fired several rockets at the camp but all of them missed the targets and landed in the nearby fields.

The sources said the security forces returned the fire and forced the militants to flee the scene. Reports said the forces and militants also exchange fire in Dojangi area of Qandharo subdivision.

The militants attacked the security forces checkpoint in Dojangi area with heavy and light weapons. However, the militants fled after the forces returned the fire. The militants’ hideouts were targetted with rockets and mortar guns. The forces also demolished several houses of militants during search operation in Qandharo area.

 

[Silent observer]

Intelligence official: US believes Mehsud is dead

By MATT APUZZO, Associated Press Writer Matt Apuzzo, Associated Press Writer – 39 mins ago

WASHINGTON – U.S. counterterrorism officials believe Pakistani Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud is dead following a missile attack last month, a senior intelligence official said Wednesday in the strongest signal that Washington has offered about the militant's fate.

The U.S. intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive security matters, said the conclusion that Mehsud is dead represents the best collective information of U.S. intelligence agencies. Since the attack, authorities have said they were growing increasingly confident Mehsud was dead. The official would not say what evidence the U.S. had gathered.

for more: Intelligence official: US believes Mehsud is dead - Yahoo! News

 

[fatman17]

Pakistan Security Brief - February 3, 2010


Bomb explosion kills three US soldiers in lower Dir; rumors emerge that TTP lieutenant Qari Hussein has been killed; US drone strikes kill 16 in North Waziristan; three militants killed in Swabi operation;

Three US soldiers part of a training unit working with the Pakistani Frontier Corps were among those killed in a bomb explosion outside a girls’ school in lower Dir district. The blast left at least 10 people dead, including three schoolgirls and one Frontier Corps soldier, and injured 70 more. The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the attack.[1]

Unconfirmed reports have emerged suggesting that Qari Hussein, the TTP’s top trainer of suicide bombers, may have also been killed in the same January 14 drone strike that is believed to have killed TTP leader Hakimullah Mehsud.[2]

A series of US drone strikes on Tuesday killed at least 16 Taliban militants in North Waziristan. Officials said that eight unmanned aircraft fired 18 missiles at targets in the Datta Khel area of North Waziristan, making this the heaviest single attack by US drones. Sources have indicated that the targets belonged to Hafiz Gul Bahadur’s group.[3]

On Tuesday, Pakistani troops killed three militants, including a local commander, during the military’s first ever operation in Swabi district. Eight people were reported injured in the clash and another four militants later surrendered. Residents indicated that security forces had moved in and sealed off the Malikabad area the night before the operation.[4]

 

[Metallic]

Militants attack grid station in Bara Tehsil
PAKISTAN - 5 FEBRUARY 2010

KHYBER AGENCY: Militants have attacked a Grid Station in Bara Tehsil of Khyber Agency. One security official has also been injured in the attack, officials said.

Officials say the grid station is partially damaged and power supply in nearby areas has been suspended, reports DawnNews.

Militants also carried out a missile attack on the main FC camp in the area. In response, security forces conducted a search operation and arrested a prominent militant commander from the Al-Haaj market.

A military operation is underway against militants in the area, curfew has been imposed as security forces pound military hideouts. Security has been beefed up after the grid station attack.


Source: DAWN Media Group

 

[Xeric]

:: ISPR :: Inter Services Public Relations - PAKISTAN

South Waziristan - Operation Rah-e-Nijat. 　　 Details of the operations of last 24 hours are as follows:-

a.Jandola Sector. Security forces conducted search and clearance operation at Bachkan Ahmed Zai near

Tajori, Kot Murtaza near south west of Tank and apprehended 2 terrorists along with cache of arms and

ammunition.

b.Shakai Sector. Terrorists fired with rockets and small arms on security forces at Ghundai Ghur Post and

Badar Post near Ladha, which was effectively responded.

c.Razmak Sector.

(1) Security forces conducted search and clearance operation in area around Bishmat Algad, cleared 15 compounds

and recovered cache of arms and ammunition.

(2) Security forces conducted search and clearance operation at Darwar Gal and apprehended 2 terrorists.

　Relief Activities. 　　 31,829 Cash Cards have been issued to displaced families of Waziristan.

 

[Silent observer]

12 soldiers killed in South Waziristan

Tuesday, February 09, 2010, The news


ISLAMABAD: Twelve soldiers embraced martyrdom while two others were injured in a clash with militants during the ongoing operation Rah-e-Nijat in South Waziristan Agency (SWA), the ISPR said on Monday.

Six terrorists were also killed in the exchange of firing that took place between the security forces and terrorists in Ahmed Wam area. Meanwhile, ten soldiers wounded during an engagement with terrorists in Langar Khel on Sunday succumbed to their injuries, said the ISPR, adding the total casualties of soldiers were 15.

According to the ISPR, the security forces successfully secured important feature point 5376, three kilometres north of Ahmed Wam, while clearance operation in Khawasai area was underway.

It said the security forces conducted search operation in the area around Torwam, cleared compounds and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition. On Razmak-Makeen axis, the troops fully secured the area from Makeen to Marobi. The forces also and built up area of Rogha and Mir Khoni.

Terrorists fired rockets at the Razmak Camp and Laghr Manza, which was effectively responded by security forces. In the operation Rah-e-Rast in the Malakand Division, the ISPR said, security forces apprehended wanted terrorist Qamar Ali in Shangla. The troops conducted search operation in Shalping, Amankot and Ghalegay areas and apprehended three terrorists, concluded the ISPR.



may the souls of our martyrs rest in peace, Amen

 

[DESERT FIGHTER]

MAY ALLAH ALMIGHTY BLESS THE LIONS WHO GAVE THERE LIVES FOR THE MOTHERLAND AND THE WORLD.AMEEN.
SALUTE TO THEM ALL AND SALUTE THE MOTHERS WHO GIVE BIRTH TO SUCH LIONS OF ALLAH.MAY ALLAH GIVE PATIENCE TO THERE FAMILY MEMBERS. AMEEN

 

[iPhone]

Oh man what a horrible loss there. May Allah grant them a high place in heaven for their sacrifice for rightiousness and peace. I have complete faith that their sacrifice won't go in vein.

It does break my heart when westerners, along with Indians and some pakistanis doubt the intentions of PA and accuse them of being in cahoots with the taliban enemy, it never crosses their mind that it is our Pakistan Army that has sacrficed so much and suffered to a great degree in this WOT. I wish these people would look at these brave men spilling their blood everyday for a global peaceful cause and then open their mouths about PA's intentions.

 

[Slides]

This is an attempt after the apparent death of their latest terrorist leader, for the TTP to mount their offensive, as they have very few cards left to play. They may be moving more of their front line fighters into the battle now. This means more causalities on our side, but decimation of their fighters as well inshallah.