Operation Rah-e-Nijat (South Waziristan)

[PakShaheen79]

Now where is political leadership. Why Gen. Kiyani is only man visiting Swat and FATA on Eid?? This political leadership really sucks..whatever party it is.

 

[TaimiKhan]

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani accompanied by Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman visited South Waziristan today. (29-11-2009) – Photo ISPR

Which gun is this SSG commando holding ???

HK417?

Its a version of the M4 carbine, not a HK-417 or 416

 

[Xeric]

Pakistan army conducts final operation in Taliban base - People's Daily Online

Pakistan army conducts final operation in Taliban base

19:59, November 30, 2009

Pakistan's security forces are conducting cleanup operations in the Taliban strongholds of South Waziristan tribal agency and adjoining areas during the last 24 hours as the military operation enters the final stage, the army said in a daily press release Monday.

The security forces apprehended one militant in South Waziristan during the operation coded as Rah-e-Nijat, or path of salvation, in the northwest tribal area bordering Afghanistan, the army said.

The army said as the operation steadily progressed towards the Taliban base in three axes, the security forces carried out sanitization of built up area at Kulal Raghzai and consolidation of positions is under process.

The army recovered huge quantity of arms and ammunitions during search operation, it said. Two troops were also injured in separate clashes during operation.

Meanwhile in the ending operation in Swat and Malakand, nine militants have been arrested, according to the statement.

According to the army statistics, Pakistani security forces have killed more than 600 militants since they launched the ground assault on Oct. 17 in the South Waziristan, advancing towards the main base of Taliban militants in Pakistan. The army said that about 30,000 soldiers are in place to take on an estimated 10,000 hard-core Taliban militants in the lawless area.

Source: Xinhua

 

[Xeric]

Pakistan Says 600 Taliban Have Died in Waziristan (Update2) - Bloomberg.com

Pakistan Says 600 Taliban Have Died in Waziristan (Update2)


By Anwar Shakir

Nov. 30 (Bloomberg) -- Pakistan’s forces have killed 600 fighters, at least 7 percent of the nation’s main Taliban force, in a six-week-old offensive in South Waziristan, military spokesman Athar Abbas said.

As troops expand their control in South Waziristan, a number of Taliban fighters have escaped via mountain footpaths to regroup in other districts near Peshawar, Pakistan’s northwestern provincial capital, the military said.

Troops have recently killed 71 militants fighting in the Khyber and Kurram districts, between Peshawar and the border with Afghanistan, officials said today. Militants also have been captured in Peshawar, police chief Liaquat Ali Khan said in a phone interview from the city.

The government says the Mehsud tribal faction comprises 5,000 to 8,000 guerrillas and sponsors 80 percent of terrorist attacks in Pakistan. Seventy soldiers have died in the campaign, Abbas said. The area is closed to reporters and casualty figures have been impossible to verify.

Fighters have fled from Waziristan to Khyber, Kurram and Orakzai, districts of Pakistan’s semi-autonomous, ethnic Pashtun tribal zone along the border with Afghanistan. They have fought escalating battles with security forces in the past month and the army will continue its attacks on suspected Taliban camps in those areas, Abbas said today in a telephone interview.

U.S. Pressure

The army started its assault in Waziristan, the biggest yet against Islamic militant insurgents, on Oct. 17. The U.S. is pressuring Pakistan to clear the area of Taliban guerrillas, who it says are using bases there for attacks on NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Pakistan yesterday rejected comments by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown urging it to get tougher on Islamic militants in the tribal zone, which U.S. intelligence agencies say shelters al-Qaeda as well as the Taliban.

Nobody should doubt Pakistan’s sincerity in the fight against terrorism, Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said, according to the official Associated Press of Pakistan.

To contact the reporter on this story: Anwar Shakir in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, at ashakir1@bloomberg.net.
Last Updated: November 30, 2009 07:43 EST

 

[Xeric]

10 Taliban militants held in Pakistan: Army - dnaindia.com

10 Taliban militants held in Pakistan: Army
PTI
Monday, November 30, 2009 20:04 IST

Islamabad: Pakistani troops captured 10 suspected militants during operations against the Taliban in the northwestern Swat valley and the tribal belt while two soldiers were injured, the military said today.
Security forces apprehended nine suspected militants during search operations at several places across the Swat valley. Another suspect was captured during an operation in Tank. A soldier was injured when militants fired rockets at Ladha fort in Jandola sector of South Waziristan.

Troops sanitised the built-up area at Kulal Raghzai and consolidated their positions. A soldier was injured during a skirmish that erupted while security forces were carrying out a clearance operation at Mir Khoni area in Razmak sector.

Troops also carried out clearance operations near Asman Manza, a former Taliban stronghold. They also retaliated against attacks by militants armed with rockets, mortars and small arms at Pash Ziarat and Kam Narakai.

The army said nearly 615 rebels and about 60 soldiers have died in fighting since an operation was launched against the Taliban in South Waziristan last month though these figures cannot be independently verified as reporters have no access to the conflict zone.

 

[air marshal]

Forces to show no leniency for terrorists, extremists: Commander FC

PESHAWAR Nov 30 (APP): Commander Frontier Corps, Brig Fayyaz has said that terrorists and extremists have been besieged saying no leniency would be exhibited with them.

Briefing newsmen on Monday in Tehsil Bara, Khyber Agency regarding ‘Operation Khawakh Bade Sham, he vowed that those who are disturbing law and order situation and challenging the writ of government would be dealt with iron hands.

On this occasion, arms and ammunition included Indian origin mines and mortars recovered from the terrorists were also displayed before the media.

Brig Fayyaz reiterated that the operation against terrorists and extremists is not targeted against any particular tribe. The security forces in Bara, he said is carrying action against banned Tehrik-e-Taliban and Lashkar-e-Islam in which he claimed maximum successes.
He said that the terrorists have taken refuge in the Gurguri area of Khyber Agency, where they had constructed numerous caves and explosive manufacturing factories. “We had seized these caves and explosive manufacturing factories and have killed and arrested several terrorists in the action,” the Commander FC added. He said that they have also seized huge cache of foreign origin arms and explosives.

He said that the backbone of terrorists has broken and going into hide, but the security forces he said will follow them everywhere and will not rest until their elimination.
The commander said that Bara has been cleared of the militants, where chief of the banned Lashkar-e-Islam, Mangal Bagh and Tehrik-e-Taliban’s Tariq, Nazir and Adnan have made the lives of the people miserable. The people, he said have no recognized their real face and supporting forces against them. “It would not be bad to named banned Lashkar-e-Islam as Lashkar-e-Fasad,” maintained the commander FC saying that these miscreants had shed the blood of several innocent people.

He said that the security forces have achieved success in Chapri Ferozkhel, which was considered a stronghold of Taliban. From where the terrorists from Orakzai and Darra Adamkhel and then through Khyber Agency were entering Peshawar and other settled areas to carry terrorist activities.

Brig Fayyaz said that 61 terrorists have been killed and 87 have been injured during the current operation of Khwakh Bade Sham. These elements, he said were included Uzbeck, Afghans and our own misled people. Beside, this he said 27 vehicles were also destroyed while four jawans of FC were also injured in the action.

He informed that beside 82 Indian origin mortars rounds and mines, a huge cache of weapons, explosive material, suicide jackets and modern arms were also recovered from the possession of terrorists.

He said that the involvement of foreign hand could not be ruled out in the terrorism incidents in the country. He said that they have found proofs that show the backing of foreign hands in the terrorist incidents. However, he said they are ready to face them, saying their hands have been reached to their collar and they would be unearthed soon.
In response to a question, he said that the circle of the operation would be extended further and wherever need arise action would be taken against terrorists and establish peace in the region.

He said that Pakistan army is best military of the world having capability of fight. “We are a brave nation and would continue battling terrorists with full courage till the complete elimination of the terrorism,” he concluded.

 

[air marshal]

 

[fatman17]

At the conclusion of opps, how much army will be stationed in Waziristan and the other agencies if any?

cant say for sure but the cantonment at swat will be a Div HQ.

 

[fatman17]

Troops kill 61 terrorists in Khyber Agency

* Army spokesman says 85 terrorists arrested, important areas captured * Forces advancing towards Gurgury, Shin Qamar areas

Staff Report

BARA/ISLAMABAD: Security forces killed 61 terrorists and arrested 85 during the ongoing Khwakh Bad-e-Shum operation, security officials said on Monday.

Briefing reporters at the Bara Fort, operation in-charge Brigadier Fayyaz Khan said 25 vehicles were also destroyed during the operation.

Brigadier Khan said the security forces had captured several important areas and hideouts in Tirah valley and had also destroyed several terrorist centres.

He said the security forces also recovered tunnels in Bara, where the terrorists used to keep abducted people.

Brigadier Khan said the security forces were advancing towards Gurgury and Shin Qamar areas, believed to be the strongholds of banned militant organisation, the Lashkar-e-Islam (LI).

Meanwhile, a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said two security forces personnel were injured in clearing operations in South Waziristan during Operation Rah-e-Nijat.

It said one terrorist was arrested in Tank, while 10 suspected terrorists were arrested during Operation Rah-e-Rast in Swat and Malakand in the last 24 hours.

The ISPR said the security forces carried out clearing operation in Kulal Raghzai in South Waziristan and consolidated positions in the Jandola sector.

“The security forces carried out a search operation in Tank and apprehended one suspect,” it said.

The ISPR said terrorists fired four rockets at Ladha Fort in the Shakai sector. One soldier was injured in the attack.

“The security forces also carried out a clearing operation near Asman Manza area,” the ISPR added.

At the Razmak sector, terrorists fired rockets, mortars and small arms at Pash Ziarat and Kam Narakai, according to the ISPR.

“The security forces carried out a clearing operation at Mir Khoni area. During the encounter one soldier was injured,” it said.

It also said the security forces carried out a search operation in Chakral area and found a 15-foot-long tunnel during Operation Rah-e-Rast in Swat.

“During a search operation in Shagai near Piochar, a 10-foot-long tunnel was found,” the ISPR said.

The ISPR said the security forces carried out search operations in Jumnari and Dogalgai areas near Biha, as well as Usmanabad, Gul Banda and Mashkumai areas and apprehended four terrorists.

“The security forces also conducted a search operation in Pallai and apprehended five suspects,” the ISPR said.

 

[fatman17]

People turn to picnic spots, public parks in large numbers

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: Picnic spots and public parks in the federal capital witnessed traditional festivity on the second and third days of Eidul Azha, as a large number of the people turned up to have a break from the hectic daily schedule.
After spending first Eid day (Saturday) in sacrificing animals and distributing meat, and meeting relatives and friends, the people including children thronged Fatima Jinnah Park, Marghazar Zoo, Rawal Lake, Daman-e-Koh, Shadara, Pakistan monument at Shakarparian, Rose and Jasmine Garden, Pir Sohawa, and View Park on sunny Sunday and cloudy Monday. Some people went to nearby hilly places like Bhurban, Patriata and Murree.
Parking lots at the recreational spots were full to the capacity. Long queues of vehicles were seen with motorists waiting to find a place to park. Traffic on the roads leading to these spots was in mess. Groups of youngsters riding motorbikes also troubled road users, especially those traveling with families.
Zainab, a girl, said she along the family had come all the way from Gujranwala to celebrate Eid with grandparents in Islamabad. “We’re enjoying a lot,” she said during a visit to Daman-e-Koh.
Noor Fatimah, a visitor to Pir Sohawa, said the place was ideal for picnic, as the people could have a good leisure time there looking out over the entire city.
“The skyline seems getting blurred and the wind blows gently here. It’s awesome,” she said. He said the newly-built restaurant and handicraft shops made her visit excellent.
At Lake View Park, many visitors cooked food, especially on a spit. A visitor, Ahad, said he mostly stayed out of the country and found the park of international standard. “The park has all facilities for visitors,” he said. He said Capital Development Authority (CDA) should develop more such recreational places in the city.
Oheed Ahmed, a youngster from Lahore, said Pir Sohawa’s refreshing environment and scenic beauty was beyond compare. He said Pakistan Monument, Daman-e-Koh and Rawal Lake Park were also good places in the capital to visit.
Public park stallholders selling snacks, tea, coffee and soft drinks reported a good business on Eid days.
Meanwhile, local graveyards also witnessed a great rush of people, who showed up to visit graves of their near and dear ones and pray for them.
Maryam, 8, said she had come to the graveyard to lay floral wreath at the grave of her father, who died last year.
“It is hard for me to forget my dearly loved papa. As the Eid day approaches, his memory haunts me a lot because he used to bring me lots of things on the day,” she said with tearful eyes.

 

[fatman17]

Lahoris turn out in numbers to celebrate Eid

LAHORE: Tight security arrangements in the provincial capital complemented the festivities of Eidul Azha this year – paving the way for citizens to celebrate in parks, restaurants, hotels, cafes, the zoo and other public places in an environment mellowed down by no terrorism threats and minimal traffic on the roads.

Several families told Daily Times that they had celebrated Eid with no worries in their mind – a reference to the recent spike in terrorist attacks and an acknowledgement of the tight security arrangements. Most people spent the first day of Eid with their relatives, but spent the second and third holidays visiting public places.

Almost all public places were packed full of families out to have a good time – with people having to wait in long queues to get tables at restaurants and hotels and children having to wait impatiently for their turn at the rides at parks. A nine-year-old boy – Abudllah Khan, holding his father’s hand and jumping up and down to get a better view of the lion from amid a crowd of children – told Daily Times at the Lahore Zoo that he had been waiting since the summers to come to the zoo. He said his entire family was with him, and “we are all having a great time”.

“My father promised to bring me here on Eid ... he has kept his promise. I have also met several of my classmates here,” said Abdullah. At Model Town Park, Gulshan Iqbal Park and Race Course Park – Daily Times found scores of families picnicking. Waqas Masood – accompanied by his wife and children – told Daily Times at Model Town Park that there was no better occasion than Eid to spend time with family. He said he had planned to take his children out during Eid holidays, and the “beautiful weather and the joyous mood of Eid allowed me to carry out my plan ... my children are having great fun”. Fortress Stadium was also packed with celebrating families, especially on the second and third holidays, and Joyland had to cater to “a record number of families” – as described by one of the administration officials. saad anwar

 

[fatman17]

US offers Pakistan enhanced military, economic support

Monday, 30 Nov, 2009

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has offered Pakistan an expanded strategic partnership, including additional military and economic cooperation. The offer, contained in a letter, was delivered to President Asif Ali Zardari by National Security Adviser James Jones.

The Washington Post reported that the US would also increase its military and civilian efforts in Afghanistan and that it does not plan an early withdrawal.

However, a failure in Afghanistan would lead to Pakistan being automatically imperilled, the report stated.

The offer extended to Pakistan features enhanced development and trade assistance, improved intelligence collaboration, more secure and upgraded military equipment pipelines, more public praise and less public criticism of Pakistan, and an initiative to building greater regional cooperation among Pakistan, India and Afghanistan, the report said.

DawnNews

 

[fatman17]

US offers enhanced strategic ties to Pakistan

By Anwar Iqbal

Tuesday, 01 Dec, 2009

The move is reportedly part of the new Afghanistan surge

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has reportedly offered Pakistan an enhanced strategic partnership, including additional cooperation in military and economic fields, the US media reported on Monday. Obama made the offer in a two-page letter to President Asif Ali Zardari as a move to ease tension between Islamabad and Washington.

US National Security Adviser Gen James Jones, who delivered the letter to Zardari in Islamabad last week, warned the Pakistanis ‘with unusual bluntness’ that their ‘use of insurgent groups to pursue policy goals cannot continue’, The Washington Post reported.

While reporting the move, the US media noted that Pakistan had recently expressed concerns over a suggested US troop surge in Afghanistan, which Islamabad feared would bring more militants into its territory.

In a similar report, The New York Times noted that the Obama administration was also trying ‘to allay Pakistani fears that India will fill the vacuum created as America pulls back’.

The report, however, said that in his policy speech on Tuesday, Obama was expected to be far less specific about Pakistan because of the fear that it might backfire.

‘We agree that no matter how many troops you send, if the safe haven in Pakistan isn’t cracked, the whole mission is compromised,’ a senior US official who has participated in the months-long debate over the strategy told NYT. ‘But if you make too many demands on the Pakistanis in public, it can backfire.’

The NYT also noted that the problems in Afghanistan had been compounded by the fragility of the Zardari government.

‘The US administration expects Zardari’s position to continue to weaken, leaving him as a largely ceremonial president even if he manages to survive in office,’ the Post reported.

The NYT noted that White House officials had said relatively little about the Pakistan side of their war strategy, in part because they had so few options and so little leverage.

‘They cannot send troops into Pakistan, and they cannot talk publicly about one of their most effective measures, the CIA’s Predator drone strikes in the country.’

The Post quoted Obama officials as saying that they wanted to augment Islamabad’s capacity to fight the militants because they believed that they could not win the war in Afghanistan without Pakistan’s support.

‘We can’t succeed without Pakistan,’ said one such official who was not identified. ‘There is nobody who is under any illusions about this.’

Obama’s letter to Zardari outlined a series of incentives to encourage Pakistan to accelerate actions against the extremists.

These include ‘enhanced development and trade assistance; improved intelligence collaboration and a more secure and upgraded military equipment pipeline; more public praise and less public criticism of Pakistan’.

Obama also offered to initiate greater regional cooperation among Pakistan, India and Afghanistan.

The Post reported that Gen Jones was very precise in conversations with top Pakistani government and military leaders, stating that certain things would have to happen in Pakistan to ensure Afghanistan’s security.

The letter he delivered demanded closer collaboration against five extremist groups: Al Qaeda, the Afghan Taliban, the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and the Pakistani Taliban organisation known as Tehrik-i-Taliban.

If Pakistan could not deliver, Gen Jones warned, the United States might be compelled to ‘use any means at its disposal to rout (these) insurgents’.

US media commentators interpreted this warning as saying that ‘if you won’t bring us the head of Osama bin Laden, we’ll get it ourselves’.

The Post noted that Pakistan had been ‘the hot core’ of the months-long strategy review of Obama’s Afghan war policy.

The long-term consequences of failure in Pakistan, the review concluded, far outweighed those in Afghanistan and ‘will make Afghanistan look like child’s play’.

The Post, however, observed that ‘although the Obama administration’s goal is to demonstrate a new level and steadfastness of support, short-term US demands may threaten Pakistan’s already fragile political stability’.

The Obama administration, according to the Post, was trying to convince Pakistan that ‘our commitment to the region is long-term. We’re not going to pack up our bags and leave them as soon as we’re done.’


alliance or compliance! that is the question?

 

[vsdoc]

Speaking about the photo-op above, in addition to earlier ones in this thread, does it not provide a juicy target for a stray TTP sniper hiding in his burrow somewhere close by?

Cheers, Doc

 

[fatman17]

Speaking about the photo-op above, in addition to earlier ones in this thread, does it not provide a juicy target for a stray TTP sniper hiding in his burrow somewhere close by?

Cheers, Doc

only you would think in this way!