fatman17
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u brought it up why? i dont know - i see everyone as a pakistani first!
Operation Rah-e-Nijat (South Waziristan)
- Thread starter ejaz007
- Start date
u brought it up why? i dont know - i see everyone as a pakistani first!
fatman17
“”if AQKhan had any "morals/morality" he should have refused and faced the consequences!!! - then he would have neen a "Hero to the Nation"
He was being Sold by Musharraf to the US, in the Dr. Afia Siddiqi style and many others. Accepted tactical retreat to fight another day.
“” too many "Bond flicks" old son!””
While we are busy with Rah-e-Njat, Rah-e-Rast, the US is hell bent upon Rah-e-Falah for us. There is no smoke without fire:
Bush handed blueprint to seize Pakistan's nuclear arsenal | World news | The Guardian
Bush handed blueprint to seize Pakistan's nuclear arsenal
These include: sending elite British or US troops to secure nuclear weapons capable of being transported out of the country and take them to a secret storage depot in New Mexico or a "remote redoubt" inside Pakistan; sending US troops to Pakistan's north-western border to fight the Taliban and al-Qaida; and a US military occupation of the capital Islamabad, and the provinces of Punjab, Sindh and Baluchistan if asked for assistance by a fractured Pakistan military, so that the US could shore up President Pervez Musharraf and General Ashfaq Kayani, who became army chief this week.
Is Barack Obama preparing to seize Pakistan's nuclear arsenal? | Vancouver, Canada | Straight.com
Is Barack Obama preparing to seize Pakistan's nuclear arsenal?
By Charlie Smith
So does it all add up to a U.S. military strike on Pakistan during Obama's first term? So far, there haven't been any moves to get the U.S. Security Council to take action against Pakistan. And Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hasn't prepared any slide shows for the UN General Assembly outlining the threat posed by Pakistan's nuclear arsenal.
But it's worth noting that Democrats are sometimes just as adept as Republicans when it comes to launching military attacks in Asia. After all, the administrations of John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson were responsible for the mess known as the Vietnam War.
“”if AQKhan had any "morals/morality" he should have refused and faced the consequences!!! - then he would have neen a "Hero to the Nation"
He was being Sold by Musharraf to the US, in the Dr. Afia Siddiqi style and many others. Accepted tactical retreat to fight another day.
“” too many "Bond flicks" old son!””
While we are busy with Rah-e-Njat, Rah-e-Rast, the US is hell bent upon Rah-e-Falah for us. There is no smoke without fire:
Bush handed blueprint to seize Pakistan's nuclear arsenal | World news | The Guardian
Bush handed blueprint to seize Pakistan's nuclear arsenal
These include: sending elite British or US troops to secure nuclear weapons capable of being transported out of the country and take them to a secret storage depot in New Mexico or a "remote redoubt" inside Pakistan; sending US troops to Pakistan's north-western border to fight the Taliban and al-Qaida; and a US military occupation of the capital Islamabad, and the provinces of Punjab, Sindh and Baluchistan if asked for assistance by a fractured Pakistan military, so that the US could shore up President Pervez Musharraf and General Ashfaq Kayani, who became army chief this week.
Is Barack Obama preparing to seize Pakistan's nuclear arsenal? | Vancouver, Canada | Straight.com
Is Barack Obama preparing to seize Pakistan's nuclear arsenal?
By Charlie Smith
So does it all add up to a U.S. military strike on Pakistan during Obama's first term? So far, there haven't been any moves to get the U.S. Security Council to take action against Pakistan. And Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hasn't prepared any slide shows for the UN General Assembly outlining the threat posed by Pakistan's nuclear arsenal.
But it's worth noting that Democrats are sometimes just as adept as Republicans when it comes to launching military attacks in Asia. After all, the administrations of John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson were responsible for the mess known as the Vietnam War.
Dear Fatman17
Here is another Bond Flick:
U.S. Has Plan to Secure Pakistan Nukes if Country Falls to Taliban - Political News - FOXNews.com
U.S. Has Plan to Secure Pakistan Nukes if Country Falls to Taliban
American intelligence sources say the military's chief terrorist-hunting squad has units operating in Afghanistan on Pakistan's western border and is working on a secondary mission to secure foreign nuclear arsenals if the Taliban or Al Qaeda overwhelm Pakistan.
The United States has a detailed plan for infiltrating Pakistan and securing its mobile arsenal of nuclear warheads if it appears the country is about to fall under the control of the Taliban, Al Qaeda or other Islamic extremists.
American intelligence sources say the operation would be conducted by Joint Special Operations Command, the super-secret commando unit headquartered at Fort Bragg, N.C.
JSOC is the military's chief terrorists hunting squad and has units now operating in Afghanistan on Pakistan's western border. But a secondary mission is to secure foreign nuclear arsenals -- a role for which JSOC operatives have trained in Nevada.
The mission has taken on added importance in recent months, as Islamic extremists have taken territory close to the capital of Islamabad and could destabilize Pakistan's shaky democracy.
"We have plans to secure them ourselves if things get out of hand," said a U.S. intelligence source who has deployed to Afghanistan. "That is a big secondary mission for JSOC in Afghanistan."
The source said JSOC has been updating its mission plan for the day President Obama gives the order to infiltrate Pakistan.
"Small units could seize them, disable them and then centralize them in a secure location," the source said.
A secret Defense Intelligence Agency document first disclosed in 2004 said Pakistan has a nuclear arsenal of 35 weapons. The document said it plans to more than double the arsenal by 2020.
A Pakistani official said the U.S. and his country have had an understanding that if either Usama bin Laden, or his deputy, Ayman Zawahiri, is located, American troops and air strikes may be used inside borders to capture or kill them.
What makes the Pakistan mission especially difficult is that the military has its missiles on Soviet-style mobile launchers and rail lines. U.S. intelligence agencies, using satellite photos and communication intercepts, is constantly monitoring their whereabouts. Other warheads are kept in storage. U.S. technical experts have visited Pakistan to advise the government on how to maintain and protect its arsenal.
Also, there are rogue elements inside Pakistan's military and intelligence service who could quickly side with the extremists and make JSOC's mission all the more difficult.
"It's relatively easy to track rail-mounted ones with satellites," said the intelligence source. "Truck- mounted are more difficult. However, they are all relatively close to the capital in areas that the government firmly controls so we don't have to look too far."
JSOC is made up of three main elements: Army Delta Force, Navy SEALs and a high-tech special intelligence unit known as Task Force Orange. JSOC was instrumental in Iraq in finding and killing Abu Musab Zarqawi, the deadly and most prominent Al Qaeda leader in the Middle East.
There is speculation in the intelligence community that a secondary reason for Army Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal being named the next commander in Afghanistan is that he headed JSOC in 2006-08 and is read-in on its contingency missions in Pakistan.
Adm. Michael Mullen, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, this month said that based on the information he has seen Pakistan's nuclear warheads are safe.
"I remain comfortable that the nuclear weapons in Pakistan are secure, that the Pakistani leadership and in particular the military is very focused on this," he said. "We the United States have invested fairly significantly over the last three years, to work with them, to improve that security. And we're satisfied, very satisfied with that progress. We will continue to do that. And we all recognize obviously the worst downside of -- with respect to Pakistan is that those nuclear weapons come under the control of terrorists. "
Rowan Scarborough is the author of "Rumsfeld's War: The Untold Story of America's Anti-Terrorist Commander;" and "Sabotage: America's Enemies Within the CIA."
Here is another Bond Flick:
U.S. Has Plan to Secure Pakistan Nukes if Country Falls to Taliban - Political News - FOXNews.com
U.S. Has Plan to Secure Pakistan Nukes if Country Falls to Taliban
American intelligence sources say the military's chief terrorist-hunting squad has units operating in Afghanistan on Pakistan's western border and is working on a secondary mission to secure foreign nuclear arsenals if the Taliban or Al Qaeda overwhelm Pakistan.
The United States has a detailed plan for infiltrating Pakistan and securing its mobile arsenal of nuclear warheads if it appears the country is about to fall under the control of the Taliban, Al Qaeda or other Islamic extremists.
American intelligence sources say the operation would be conducted by Joint Special Operations Command, the super-secret commando unit headquartered at Fort Bragg, N.C.
JSOC is the military's chief terrorists hunting squad and has units now operating in Afghanistan on Pakistan's western border. But a secondary mission is to secure foreign nuclear arsenals -- a role for which JSOC operatives have trained in Nevada.
The mission has taken on added importance in recent months, as Islamic extremists have taken territory close to the capital of Islamabad and could destabilize Pakistan's shaky democracy.
"We have plans to secure them ourselves if things get out of hand," said a U.S. intelligence source who has deployed to Afghanistan. "That is a big secondary mission for JSOC in Afghanistan."
The source said JSOC has been updating its mission plan for the day President Obama gives the order to infiltrate Pakistan.
"Small units could seize them, disable them and then centralize them in a secure location," the source said.
A secret Defense Intelligence Agency document first disclosed in 2004 said Pakistan has a nuclear arsenal of 35 weapons. The document said it plans to more than double the arsenal by 2020.
A Pakistani official said the U.S. and his country have had an understanding that if either Usama bin Laden, or his deputy, Ayman Zawahiri, is located, American troops and air strikes may be used inside borders to capture or kill them.
What makes the Pakistan mission especially difficult is that the military has its missiles on Soviet-style mobile launchers and rail lines. U.S. intelligence agencies, using satellite photos and communication intercepts, is constantly monitoring their whereabouts. Other warheads are kept in storage. U.S. technical experts have visited Pakistan to advise the government on how to maintain and protect its arsenal.
Also, there are rogue elements inside Pakistan's military and intelligence service who could quickly side with the extremists and make JSOC's mission all the more difficult.
"It's relatively easy to track rail-mounted ones with satellites," said the intelligence source. "Truck- mounted are more difficult. However, they are all relatively close to the capital in areas that the government firmly controls so we don't have to look too far."
JSOC is made up of three main elements: Army Delta Force, Navy SEALs and a high-tech special intelligence unit known as Task Force Orange. JSOC was instrumental in Iraq in finding and killing Abu Musab Zarqawi, the deadly and most prominent Al Qaeda leader in the Middle East.
There is speculation in the intelligence community that a secondary reason for Army Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal being named the next commander in Afghanistan is that he headed JSOC in 2006-08 and is read-in on its contingency missions in Pakistan.
Adm. Michael Mullen, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, this month said that based on the information he has seen Pakistan's nuclear warheads are safe.
"I remain comfortable that the nuclear weapons in Pakistan are secure, that the Pakistani leadership and in particular the military is very focused on this," he said. "We the United States have invested fairly significantly over the last three years, to work with them, to improve that security. And we're satisfied, very satisfied with that progress. We will continue to do that. And we all recognize obviously the worst downside of -- with respect to Pakistan is that those nuclear weapons come under the control of terrorists. "
Rowan Scarborough is the author of "Rumsfeld's War: The Untold Story of America's Anti-Terrorist Commander;" and "Sabotage: America's Enemies Within the CIA."
AgNoStiC MuSliM
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The State is a non-entity without a framework to define and manage that entity, the constitution, and a means of ensuring compliance with that framework - typically the government and its various institutions, hence the need to recognize both the writ of the State (constitution) and and various other institutions such as the government, parliament, judiciary, LEA's etc.
In the immediate it does not safeguard lives and property, just as war with an external enemy does not in the immediate safeguard lives and property either, it in fact does the opposite in the short term, but can be unavoidable in pursuit of the goal of safeguarding the rights of citizens in the long term.
So what risks does the absence of War in Waziristan entail for the people of Pakistan and the people of Waziristan specifically? The absence of the State taking on the TTP means we leave the people of SW to suffer under a barbaric and medieval regime imposed under force of arms by the Taliban. Torture, denial of freedom, extortion, the rape of innocent young minds as they are taken from their families to serve as cannon fodder for the Taliban, and brainwashed to blow themselves and other innocents up.
For the people in the rest of Pakistan, not acting militarily against the Taliban, and suffering the loss of property and lives in the short term, means the risk to Pakistan from the extremism of the Taliban continues to grow, and the territory of FATA becomes for all intents and purposes a separate state with barbaric and medieval laws imposed by the Taliban at gunpoint. The Taliban follow up on their stated objective of turning Pakistan into a 'true Islamic State' by linking up with like minded extremist groups elsewhere who also pursue the policy of attacking the State and killing innocents to make it bow to their demands of 'Islamic Rule', as they tried to do in the Lal Masjid, in Swat, Buner, Dir and in one local instance, against the people participating in a mixed marathon in Lahore.
Surely you agree that the suffering of the people of SW and the rest of Pakistan under an unfettered Taliban rule and expansion is something that should be prevented - and if so, the difference in our views lies with the methodology used to stop that long term threat to the lives, property and freedom of all Pakistani, and not over the the point that the threat needs to be neutralized.
In favor of the military operation, I would point out that the GoP has tried for nine years now various non-military options to end the insurgency and Taliban threat. Peace deals, jirgas, and in Swat, agreeing to taliban demands and imposing Nizam-e-Adl in exchange for disarmament/disbanding and a return to government rule. We have only been spurned every step of the way, in Swat in fact slapped across the face as instead of disbanding, the Taliban chose to expand into other districts.
We have continuously offered the taliban the option of disbanding, and they have refused, and of late their leader has reiterated their intentions of turning all of Pakistan into a 'true Islamic State', and their actions, suicide bombings in schools now, leave no doubt about their violent intentions and the threat they pose to Pakistan.
So while you have a right to disagree with the methodology of the State, I fail to see on what grounds you disagree, given that the State has attempted non-violent means already. Nor have you offered any new way to disband the Taliban militias that does not involve military action.
I don't care who is paying for the operation or praising it - for the reasons outlined above, it is clear to me that the only way to safeguard the lives and freedom of Pakistanis in the long term is to eliminate the terrorist threat, whether it be in FATA, Punjab or Baluchistan, and given everything else that has been tried and the lack of viable alternative solutions, this is the only option left.
The government has the writ and the authority to take actions as it deems fit given that it was elected by the people of Pakistan to make these decisions - if you disagree with their actions, mobilize the people to vote them out of office next time.
TalibanSwatter
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Eloquently summarized - a compelling and articulate comment!
Xeric
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The easiest thing that one can do is to sit and criticize! Opening up a load of crappiest agenda and getting into futile arguments (may they enjoy it).
The most difficult being is to get up and suggest a suitable alternative, show people more options and work up a solution or two (that should atleast be hypothetically workable if not in actuality).
But who would do that? Rather why would one do it, when the sole aim is to pollute?!
The most difficult being is to get up and suggest a suitable alternative, show people more options and work up a solution or two (that should atleast be hypothetically workable if not in actuality).
But who would do that? Rather why would one do it, when the sole aim is to pollute?!
sonicboom
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Who is Winning Battle With Insurgents in Pakistan's South Waziristan?
Operation 'Path of Riddance' Pits Pakistan Army Against South Waziristan Rebels
By GLORIA RIVIERA
Oct. 20, 2009
The Pakistan military's Operation Rah-e-Najat or "Path of Riddance" against insurgents in the tribal South Waziristan area is the government's toughest offensive since 2001. The target region is believed to be the crux of the growing Taliban and al Qaeda movement within Pakistan.
Both U.S. and Pakistani officials believe the majority of suicide attacks are carried out by a militant multi-national insurgency recruited and brought to the area to train.
Pakistani and insurgent officials have both claimed early victories, but independant confirmation is hard to come by.
If it succeeds, the army could significantly disable the insurgents and weaken a Taliban and al Qaeda stronghold that has so far withstood three military campaigns to destroy it.
High Stakes Offensive Inside Dangerous Tribal Region
The Pakistan army launched the offensive on Saturday after an emergency cabinet meeting in Islamabad. At least 28,000 Pakistani troops moved into the remote region in northwest Pakistan, near the Afghan border, from the south, east and north, the government says. They are backed by artillery and fighter jets.
South Waziristan is home to the Mehsud tribe. Operation Rah-e-Nejat is intended to "free the Mehsud tribesmen from the clutches of terrorists" according to the Pakistan army. The Mehsud live in highly fortified compounds designed to defend against the enemy, and have a reputation as fearless fighters.
Several top leadership posts within the Taliban in Pakistan's senior circle are held by Mehsud militants. In August 2009, the group acknowledged that their leader Baitullah Mehsud, had been killed in a U.S. airstrike on Aug. 5. Hakimullah Mehsud, from the same tribe, took his place. The Mehsud militancy twice signed peace deals with the Pakistani government, once in February 2005 and again in January 2008. Both times the group reportedly used the lull to expand influence and activity in the area.
The Pakistan army dropped leaflets across South Waziristan communities with a letter from the army chief Gen. Ashfaq Pervez Kayani asking the local population to rise up against the militancy. The first drop occurred on Tuesday, according to the Web site All Things Pakistan, which also translated a portion of the letter:
"The aim of the current military operation is not to attack proud and patriotic Mehsuds but it is to save them from the clutches of ruthless terrorists who have destroyed peace of the whole region. Therefore the aim of this operation will be Uzbek terrorists, foreign terrorists and local terrorists I am hopeful that Mehsud tribes will side with the Pakistan military in this operation."
Pakistan Battles Insurgents in South Waziristan
There is a fear that if the militants are rooted out of the region they will spread across the country and insight violence elsewhere.
Pakistan faces its toughest military test yet against the rebels in waging the ground assault in South Waziristan, part of a lawless tribal belt where al Qaeda and Taliban networks are allegedly plotting attacks on the West.
"There is always the possibility of terrorists sneaking from the neighboring agencies or from outside. That cannot be ruled out," said Abbas, the Pakistani military spokesman, in a briefing Tuesday. "We are very confident that we will be able to block any bulk of movement."
While the U.S. military is not directly involved in the Pakistan offensive on the ground they are reportedly monitoring the situation closely and sharing intelligence. There is a U.S. combat brigade of about 3,500 soldiers operating in the provinces on the Afghan side of the border across from South Waziristan but the U.S. says they are not actively assisting on the Pakistani side of the border.
Central Command chief, General David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, was in Islamabad on Monday and met with Kayani and with the Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.
Pakistan Military Facing Fierce Fighters
Abbas said troops are encountering fierce fighting in some of the targeted areas. The military says it is facing an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 local militants and 1,500 foreign fighters in what can be extremely unforgiving and treacherous terrain. Pakistan experts suggest the element of foreign fighters differentiates this campaign from the one the military fought this past summer against the Taliban and al Qaeda in Swat Valley.
"The military in Pakistan understands that they are likely to encounter very fierce resistance from these so-called foreign fighters - Uzbeks, Chechens, Arabs and even some Chinese Uighurs," said Farzana Shaikh, an associate fellow with the London think tank Chatham House. "[These are] fighters who the army believes may be even more ideologically driven and altogether tougher nuts to crack than local tribesman with whom of course the army has a long history of doing deals."
The Associated Press reported that deals recently made with local Taliban renegades Maulvi Nazir and Hafiz Gul Bahadur, are helping the Pakistani military move more freely in the region during this operation. In exchange, the army will ease patrols and bombings in the lands controlled by Nazir and Bahadur, two Pakistani intelligence officials based in the region, told the AP.
Abbas said that within the first 72 hours, Pakistani troops had managed to win control of two key areas: the northern Sherwangi area and what was described as "important tactical heights" overlooking the town of Kotkai. The town is known to be the hometown of the Taliban in Pakistan leader, Hakimullah Mehsud. Gen. Abbas said it is also home to Qari Hussein, a Taliban leader notorious for training suicide bombers. He said 60 militants had been killed and six Pakistani troops in the offensive in the first 24 hours of fighting.
Accurate Accounts of Fighting Hard to Come By
Numbers are difficult to independently verify due to a total media blackout on the ground.
"We know how to fight this war and defeat the enemy with the minimum loss of our men," a Taliban spokesman told the AP from an undisclosed location on Tuesday. "We will defend our land until our last man and our last drop of blood. This is a war bound to end in the defeat of the Pakistan army."
In other parts of the country the Pakistani police are conducting raids to clamp down on militant operations after a spate of recent attacks. In an apparent response to the offensive, on Tuesday in two separate attacks at Islamabad University at least four people were killed. At least half the student population is made up of women and hundreds are foreigners. The targets were a woman's café and a faculty building. The school receives funding from Saudi Arabia and is known to have both radical teachers and students make up a part of its community.
All schools and universities in three of the country's four provinces were shut down for the week by the government following the attack.
As followed the military operation in Swat Valley international humanitarian groups are preparing for an exodus of refugees but are having difficulty gaining access to the tribal areas. The United Nations estimates that 170,000 people will be displaced but other estimates put that number at 350,000. An estimated 150,000 people have already fled according to the AP.
Gul Zazir abandoned his home in the village of Makeen with eight family members. Like most, he told the AP he prefers to live with relatives or friends in nearby towns rather than a refugee camp which he compares to "living under God's mercy."
Thousands Homeless in Battle in Pakistan's Tribal Region
"How many more times do I have to leave my home in search of safety for my family, isn't this enough?" asked Hakee Jan, another refugee who fled his village of Sara Rogha.
The government is hoping Operation Rahe Nejat will finally end the militant threat stemming from South Waziristan. The greater Pakistani population will be watching closely to see what kind of independent progress the military can make. There are signs that within Pakistan the population is growing weary of foreign dependence, particularly reliance on the U.S.
The recently announced $7.5 billion U.S. aid package drew sharp internal criticism in Pakistan. In a survey conducted by pollster Gilani/Gallup Pakistan 60 percent of those asked believe it won't improve Pakistan's economy, 62 percent of those asked do not believe Pakistan is surviving on foreign aid. The aid package, part of the Kerry-Lugar Bill, requires lawmakers within Pakistan to certify to Congress that the country is making progress in the fight against terror. Critics believe conditioning military aid is problematic and can undermine improving the relationship between the two countries.
Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is in the region and met with military leaders soon after Operation Rahe Nejat was launched.
The offensive is expected to last two months.
Pakistan battles insurgents in South Waziristan - ABC News
Operation 'Path of Riddance' Pits Pakistan Army Against South Waziristan Rebels
By GLORIA RIVIERA
Oct. 20, 2009
The Pakistan military's Operation Rah-e-Najat or "Path of Riddance" against insurgents in the tribal South Waziristan area is the government's toughest offensive since 2001. The target region is believed to be the crux of the growing Taliban and al Qaeda movement within Pakistan.
Both U.S. and Pakistani officials believe the majority of suicide attacks are carried out by a militant multi-national insurgency recruited and brought to the area to train.
Pakistani and insurgent officials have both claimed early victories, but independant confirmation is hard to come by.
If it succeeds, the army could significantly disable the insurgents and weaken a Taliban and al Qaeda stronghold that has so far withstood three military campaigns to destroy it.
High Stakes Offensive Inside Dangerous Tribal Region
The Pakistan army launched the offensive on Saturday after an emergency cabinet meeting in Islamabad. At least 28,000 Pakistani troops moved into the remote region in northwest Pakistan, near the Afghan border, from the south, east and north, the government says. They are backed by artillery and fighter jets.
South Waziristan is home to the Mehsud tribe. Operation Rah-e-Nejat is intended to "free the Mehsud tribesmen from the clutches of terrorists" according to the Pakistan army. The Mehsud live in highly fortified compounds designed to defend against the enemy, and have a reputation as fearless fighters.
Several top leadership posts within the Taliban in Pakistan's senior circle are held by Mehsud militants. In August 2009, the group acknowledged that their leader Baitullah Mehsud, had been killed in a U.S. airstrike on Aug. 5. Hakimullah Mehsud, from the same tribe, took his place. The Mehsud militancy twice signed peace deals with the Pakistani government, once in February 2005 and again in January 2008. Both times the group reportedly used the lull to expand influence and activity in the area.
The Pakistan army dropped leaflets across South Waziristan communities with a letter from the army chief Gen. Ashfaq Pervez Kayani asking the local population to rise up against the militancy. The first drop occurred on Tuesday, according to the Web site All Things Pakistan, which also translated a portion of the letter:
"The aim of the current military operation is not to attack proud and patriotic Mehsuds but it is to save them from the clutches of ruthless terrorists who have destroyed peace of the whole region. Therefore the aim of this operation will be Uzbek terrorists, foreign terrorists and local terrorists I am hopeful that Mehsud tribes will side with the Pakistan military in this operation."
Pakistan Battles Insurgents in South Waziristan
There is a fear that if the militants are rooted out of the region they will spread across the country and insight violence elsewhere.
Pakistan faces its toughest military test yet against the rebels in waging the ground assault in South Waziristan, part of a lawless tribal belt where al Qaeda and Taliban networks are allegedly plotting attacks on the West.
"There is always the possibility of terrorists sneaking from the neighboring agencies or from outside. That cannot be ruled out," said Abbas, the Pakistani military spokesman, in a briefing Tuesday. "We are very confident that we will be able to block any bulk of movement."
While the U.S. military is not directly involved in the Pakistan offensive on the ground they are reportedly monitoring the situation closely and sharing intelligence. There is a U.S. combat brigade of about 3,500 soldiers operating in the provinces on the Afghan side of the border across from South Waziristan but the U.S. says they are not actively assisting on the Pakistani side of the border.
Central Command chief, General David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, was in Islamabad on Monday and met with Kayani and with the Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.
Pakistan Military Facing Fierce Fighters
Abbas said troops are encountering fierce fighting in some of the targeted areas. The military says it is facing an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 local militants and 1,500 foreign fighters in what can be extremely unforgiving and treacherous terrain. Pakistan experts suggest the element of foreign fighters differentiates this campaign from the one the military fought this past summer against the Taliban and al Qaeda in Swat Valley.
"The military in Pakistan understands that they are likely to encounter very fierce resistance from these so-called foreign fighters - Uzbeks, Chechens, Arabs and even some Chinese Uighurs," said Farzana Shaikh, an associate fellow with the London think tank Chatham House. "[These are] fighters who the army believes may be even more ideologically driven and altogether tougher nuts to crack than local tribesman with whom of course the army has a long history of doing deals."
The Associated Press reported that deals recently made with local Taliban renegades Maulvi Nazir and Hafiz Gul Bahadur, are helping the Pakistani military move more freely in the region during this operation. In exchange, the army will ease patrols and bombings in the lands controlled by Nazir and Bahadur, two Pakistani intelligence officials based in the region, told the AP.
Abbas said that within the first 72 hours, Pakistani troops had managed to win control of two key areas: the northern Sherwangi area and what was described as "important tactical heights" overlooking the town of Kotkai. The town is known to be the hometown of the Taliban in Pakistan leader, Hakimullah Mehsud. Gen. Abbas said it is also home to Qari Hussein, a Taliban leader notorious for training suicide bombers. He said 60 militants had been killed and six Pakistani troops in the offensive in the first 24 hours of fighting.
Accurate Accounts of Fighting Hard to Come By
Numbers are difficult to independently verify due to a total media blackout on the ground.
"We know how to fight this war and defeat the enemy with the minimum loss of our men," a Taliban spokesman told the AP from an undisclosed location on Tuesday. "We will defend our land until our last man and our last drop of blood. This is a war bound to end in the defeat of the Pakistan army."
In other parts of the country the Pakistani police are conducting raids to clamp down on militant operations after a spate of recent attacks. In an apparent response to the offensive, on Tuesday in two separate attacks at Islamabad University at least four people were killed. At least half the student population is made up of women and hundreds are foreigners. The targets were a woman's café and a faculty building. The school receives funding from Saudi Arabia and is known to have both radical teachers and students make up a part of its community.
All schools and universities in three of the country's four provinces were shut down for the week by the government following the attack.
As followed the military operation in Swat Valley international humanitarian groups are preparing for an exodus of refugees but are having difficulty gaining access to the tribal areas. The United Nations estimates that 170,000 people will be displaced but other estimates put that number at 350,000. An estimated 150,000 people have already fled according to the AP.
Gul Zazir abandoned his home in the village of Makeen with eight family members. Like most, he told the AP he prefers to live with relatives or friends in nearby towns rather than a refugee camp which he compares to "living under God's mercy."
Thousands Homeless in Battle in Pakistan's Tribal Region
"How many more times do I have to leave my home in search of safety for my family, isn't this enough?" asked Hakee Jan, another refugee who fled his village of Sara Rogha.
The government is hoping Operation Rahe Nejat will finally end the militant threat stemming from South Waziristan. The greater Pakistani population will be watching closely to see what kind of independent progress the military can make. There are signs that within Pakistan the population is growing weary of foreign dependence, particularly reliance on the U.S.
The recently announced $7.5 billion U.S. aid package drew sharp internal criticism in Pakistan. In a survey conducted by pollster Gilani/Gallup Pakistan 60 percent of those asked believe it won't improve Pakistan's economy, 62 percent of those asked do not believe Pakistan is surviving on foreign aid. The aid package, part of the Kerry-Lugar Bill, requires lawmakers within Pakistan to certify to Congress that the country is making progress in the fight against terror. Critics believe conditioning military aid is problematic and can undermine improving the relationship between the two countries.
Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is in the region and met with military leaders soon after Operation Rahe Nejat was launched.
The offensive is expected to last two months.
Pakistan battles insurgents in South Waziristan - ABC News
fatman17
PDF THINK TANK: CONSULTANT
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In favor of the military operation, I would point out that the GoP has tried for nine years now various non-military options to end the insurgency and Taliban threat. Peace deals, jirgas, and in Swat, agreeing to taliban demands and imposing Nizam-e-Adl in exchange for disarmament/disbanding and a return to government rule. We have only been spurned every step of the way, in Swat in fact slapped across the face as instead of disbanding, the Taliban chose to expand into other districts.
in the past all ops (barring the swat/malakand) were tactical in nature, half-measures at best - the ops in SWA have a strategic intent and a closure is envisioned when the objectives are met! God Willing!InshAllah!
in the past all ops (barring the swat/malakand) were tactical in nature, half-measures at best - the ops in SWA have a strategic intent and a closure is envisioned when the objectives are met! God Willing!InshAllah!
Bill Longley
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LOST IDENTITY: Striking Taliban Center of Gravity
Pakistan army has started second Phase of military operation against terrorist network of Tehrik e Taliban Pakistan in South Waziristan agency. First Phase of this military operation code named OPERATION RAH E NIJAT started in early June of this year.
In first Phase the focus was on softening TTP targets by aerial and artillery bombardment and intelligence operations. On other side tight blockade was enforced around TTP Mahsud Areas and around SWA and NWA.
The main focus of first Phase was Intelligence operations against TTP. Pakistani agencies succeeded in breaking hard core TTP leaders like Alf Khan Bhitani and Shaheen Bhitani from TTP. Agencies also succeeded neutralizing other important tribes and their leaders to remain neutral. The biggest success came when biggest tribe of NWA and SWA, Wazir tribe announced that it will remain neutral. Other tribes like Bhitani and Barkies etc followed. This intelligence success has enabled forces to focus on TTP in SWA without worrying other tribes and their groups.
On other hand the disinformation about dispute in TTP leadership and killing of Hakeem ullah Mahsud helped the demoralization of TTP in other agencies and areas and it helped friends to enter TTP strongholds and friends in the territory to hide their identities as the impression in TTP SWA circles became that Government knew nothing what was happening in SWA.
Intelligence operations were helped by the blockade of NWA and SWA, which created information black out. Forces fully in advantage exploited this information blackout and many successes were made. A small example is of disputes among Aurak zai Taliban who all belonged to Hakeem ullah group.
After the successful completion of first phase, Pakistan Army Launched second phase of military operation on 17th Oct at 1900 hours. Some analysts think second phase was launched due to GHQ attack and Lahore/Peshawar attacks. I personally think it was not the case because forces are trained to stick to their planning, that is why they acted on 17th as they have planned.
On 17th forces started advancing towards TTP strong hold in Mahsud area from three sides. From the north they started from Razmak area, from east from Jandola and from west from Wana. At present government has assembled 60,000 troops for this operation out of which 28,000 are currently engaging TTP terrorists.
Pakistan army has started second Phase of military operation against terrorist network of Tehrik e Taliban Pakistan in South Waziristan agency. First Phase of this military operation code named OPERATION RAH E NIJAT started in early June of this year.
In first Phase the focus was on softening TTP targets by aerial and artillery bombardment and intelligence operations. On other side tight blockade was enforced around TTP Mahsud Areas and around SWA and NWA.
The main focus of first Phase was Intelligence operations against TTP. Pakistani agencies succeeded in breaking hard core TTP leaders like Alf Khan Bhitani and Shaheen Bhitani from TTP. Agencies also succeeded neutralizing other important tribes and their leaders to remain neutral. The biggest success came when biggest tribe of NWA and SWA, Wazir tribe announced that it will remain neutral. Other tribes like Bhitani and Barkies etc followed. This intelligence success has enabled forces to focus on TTP in SWA without worrying other tribes and their groups.
On other hand the disinformation about dispute in TTP leadership and killing of Hakeem ullah Mahsud helped the demoralization of TTP in other agencies and areas and it helped friends to enter TTP strongholds and friends in the territory to hide their identities as the impression in TTP SWA circles became that Government knew nothing what was happening in SWA.
Intelligence operations were helped by the blockade of NWA and SWA, which created information black out. Forces fully in advantage exploited this information blackout and many successes were made. A small example is of disputes among Aurak zai Taliban who all belonged to Hakeem ullah group.
After the successful completion of first phase, Pakistan Army Launched second phase of military operation on 17th Oct at 1900 hours. Some analysts think second phase was launched due to GHQ attack and Lahore/Peshawar attacks. I personally think it was not the case because forces are trained to stick to their planning, that is why they acted on 17th as they have planned.
On 17th forces started advancing towards TTP strong hold in Mahsud area from three sides. From the north they started from Razmak area, from east from Jandola and from west from Wana. At present government has assembled 60,000 troops for this operation out of which 28,000 are currently engaging TTP terrorists.
Forces have enveloped Terrorists from all sides and all their escape routes have been blocked.
It is estimated that there are 10 to 15 thousand terrorists in area who are re-enforced by 4 to 5 thousand Uzbeks and other foreign terrorists.
TTP started preparing its defenses for anticipated attack during Swat and Malakand operation. Reports suggest that they are well dug in. They have advantage of knowing the territory. But this advantage is getting wasted due to aerial reconnaissance by Pakistani and American drones and Army aviations helicopters. At present TTP has failed to mount any tough resistance.
Government in clear statement has defined SWA as centre of gravity of TTP. But is SWA centre of gravity of TTP?
TTP or movement of Taliban in Pakistan is an alliance of 20 to 30 militant groups helped by Al Qaeda. These all groups are Takfiries with their own networks and commands.
Like Al Qaeda by just killing its main leadership or capturing its one or two stronghold cannot destroy it. Fighting networks is a time taking and one has to cut each and every knot of net to get full success. In other words a network has multiple centers of gravity and each needs to be destroyed to get full success.
In Pakistan TTP have multiple power areas. Aurak Zai is very important agency in this regard. After SWA, Aurak Zai is the place where TTP has training infrastructure. Hakeem ullah Mahsud himself has a strong base in Aurak Zai. About 50 % suicide bombers were trained in Aurak zai who committed terrorist attacks in all over Pakistan.
Then there is Mohmand agency where forces are carrying successful operation against Harkat tul Mujahideen Omer Khalid Group.
Mangal Bagh has emerged as ally of TTP in Khyber. Forces are engaging him in Khyber agency with success.
In Bajor in 2007 ,operation Sher Dil broke backbone of TTP Bajor. This is the Place where Molvi Faqir Muhammad, deputy chief of TTP is based. At present an operation is being carried out against his forces that recently started regrouping.
In Punjab, especially Southern Punjab areas like DG khan, Bhakkar and Rojhan have emerged as areas where there is strong presence of extremists. In recent attacks in Lahore and Pindi, Punjabi Taliban from south were involve. A police operation is likely underway.
Similarly there are strong militant networks in Mianwali, Sargodha, Fasilabad and other important cities and districts of Pakistan. Recently Security forces have arrested TTP Karachi Chief Akhtar Zaman from Karachi. Which means that each city has its own extremist network and leadership, which needs to be found and neutralized. .
The reaction of SWA operation has started coming out. Twin blasts at Islamic University in Islamabad in which 2 students of Sharia faculty have died demands swift and scientific action against local networks in different cities.
Militants have proven that they have no religion and have reached the extremes where rationality is not what they under stand.
Karl Von Clausewitz defined war as extension of Political Policy by other means. Pakistani government and Army have defined the political policy, which is to eliminate the terrorism from Pakistan. Pakistan has lost more then 2000 soldiers along with thousands of civilians and other security personals.
Pakistan has failed in its efforts to engage extremists in polite and peace full way. Enemy has time and again taught us that it cannot not understand peaceful language. Now Pakistan is at war. Its time government starts building minds of people. Pakistan has to fight this war on two battlefields
· Information / Propaganda field: Pakistan can only win this war by winning hearts and minds of Public. This is a war in which victory is only possible when whole nation stands by the government. At one side Pakistan have to win hearts of IDPs coming from effected areas and on other bring consensus amongst people by exposing the faces of people who support the extremists.
· On ground Pakistan have to engage extremists physically to cut their political, material and ideological support. Its time to have no soft corner for whom so ever supports extremists weather they are internal enemies or are external forces. Its Pakistans battle for existence, which we cannot afford to lose.
Summing up through out Pakistani cities different extremist organizations have their networks. TTP has multiple centres of Gravity. This war cannot be won and Pakistan unless we break these terror networks and their sleeper cells. Its a long war. Pakistan has to break this network thread-by-thread and knot by knot.
LOST IDENTITY: Striking Taliban Center of Gravity
Pakistan army has started second Phase of military operation against terrorist network of Tehrik e Taliban Pakistan in South Waziristan agency. First Phase of this military operation code named OPERATION RAH E NIJAT started in early June of this year.
In first Phase the focus was on softening TTP targets by aerial and artillery bombardment and intelligence operations. On other side tight blockade was enforced around TTP Mahsud Areas and around SWA and NWA.
The main focus of first Phase was Intelligence operations against TTP. Pakistani agencies succeeded in breaking hard core TTP leaders like Alf Khan Bhitani and Shaheen Bhitani from TTP. Agencies also succeeded neutralizing other important tribes and their leaders to remain neutral. The biggest success came when biggest tribe of NWA and SWA, Wazir tribe announced that it will remain neutral. Other tribes like Bhitani and Barkies etc followed. This intelligence success has enabled forces to focus on TTP in SWA without worrying other tribes and their groups.
On other hand the disinformation about dispute in TTP leadership and killing of Hakeem ullah Mahsud helped the demoralization of TTP in other agencies and areas and it helped friends to enter TTP strongholds and friends in the territory to hide their identities as the impression in TTP SWA circles became that Government knew nothing what was happening in SWA.
Intelligence operations were helped by the blockade of NWA and SWA, which created information black out. Forces fully in advantage exploited this information blackout and many successes were made. A small example is of disputes among Aurak zai Taliban who all belonged to Hakeem ullah group.
After the successful completion of first phase, Pakistan Army Launched second phase of military operation on 17th Oct at 1900 hours. Some analysts think second phase was launched due to GHQ attack and Lahore/Peshawar attacks. I personally think it was not the case because forces are trained to stick to their planning, that is why they acted on 17th as they have planned.
On 17th forces started advancing towards TTP strong hold in Mahsud area from three sides. From the north they started from Razmak area, from east from Jandola and from west from Wana. At present government has assembled 60,000 troops for this operation out of which 28,000 are currently engaging TTP terrorists.
Pakistan army has started second Phase of military operation against terrorist network of Tehrik e Taliban Pakistan in South Waziristan agency. First Phase of this military operation code named OPERATION RAH E NIJAT started in early June of this year.
In first Phase the focus was on softening TTP targets by aerial and artillery bombardment and intelligence operations. On other side tight blockade was enforced around TTP Mahsud Areas and around SWA and NWA.
The main focus of first Phase was Intelligence operations against TTP. Pakistani agencies succeeded in breaking hard core TTP leaders like Alf Khan Bhitani and Shaheen Bhitani from TTP. Agencies also succeeded neutralizing other important tribes and their leaders to remain neutral. The biggest success came when biggest tribe of NWA and SWA, Wazir tribe announced that it will remain neutral. Other tribes like Bhitani and Barkies etc followed. This intelligence success has enabled forces to focus on TTP in SWA without worrying other tribes and their groups.
On other hand the disinformation about dispute in TTP leadership and killing of Hakeem ullah Mahsud helped the demoralization of TTP in other agencies and areas and it helped friends to enter TTP strongholds and friends in the territory to hide their identities as the impression in TTP SWA circles became that Government knew nothing what was happening in SWA.
Intelligence operations were helped by the blockade of NWA and SWA, which created information black out. Forces fully in advantage exploited this information blackout and many successes were made. A small example is of disputes among Aurak zai Taliban who all belonged to Hakeem ullah group.
After the successful completion of first phase, Pakistan Army Launched second phase of military operation on 17th Oct at 1900 hours. Some analysts think second phase was launched due to GHQ attack and Lahore/Peshawar attacks. I personally think it was not the case because forces are trained to stick to their planning, that is why they acted on 17th as they have planned.
On 17th forces started advancing towards TTP strong hold in Mahsud area from three sides. From the north they started from Razmak area, from east from Jandola and from west from Wana. At present government has assembled 60,000 troops for this operation out of which 28,000 are currently engaging TTP terrorists.
Forces have enveloped Terrorists from all sides and all their escape routes have been blocked.
It is estimated that there are 10 to 15 thousand terrorists in area who are re-enforced by 4 to 5 thousand Uzbeks and other foreign terrorists.
TTP started preparing its defenses for anticipated attack during Swat and Malakand operation. Reports suggest that they are well dug in. They have advantage of knowing the territory. But this advantage is getting wasted due to aerial reconnaissance by Pakistani and American drones and Army aviations helicopters. At present TTP has failed to mount any tough resistance.
Government in clear statement has defined SWA as centre of gravity of TTP. But is SWA centre of gravity of TTP?
TTP or movement of Taliban in Pakistan is an alliance of 20 to 30 militant groups helped by Al Qaeda. These all groups are Takfiries with their own networks and commands.
Like Al Qaeda by just killing its main leadership or capturing its one or two stronghold cannot destroy it. Fighting networks is a time taking and one has to cut each and every knot of net to get full success. In other words a network has multiple centers of gravity and each needs to be destroyed to get full success.
In Pakistan TTP have multiple power areas. Aurak Zai is very important agency in this regard. After SWA, Aurak Zai is the place where TTP has training infrastructure. Hakeem ullah Mahsud himself has a strong base in Aurak Zai. About 50 % suicide bombers were trained in Aurak zai who committed terrorist attacks in all over Pakistan.
Then there is Mohmand agency where forces are carrying successful operation against Harkat tul Mujahideen Omer Khalid Group.
Mangal Bagh has emerged as ally of TTP in Khyber. Forces are engaging him in Khyber agency with success.
In Bajor in 2007 ,operation Sher Dil broke backbone of TTP Bajor. This is the Place where Molvi Faqir Muhammad, deputy chief of TTP is based. At present an operation is being carried out against his forces that recently started regrouping.
In Punjab, especially Southern Punjab areas like DG khan, Bhakkar and Rojhan have emerged as areas where there is strong presence of extremists. In recent attacks in Lahore and Pindi, Punjabi Taliban from south were involve. A police operation is likely underway.
Similarly there are strong militant networks in Mianwali, Sargodha, Fasilabad and other important cities and districts of Pakistan. Recently Security forces have arrested TTP Karachi Chief Akhtar Zaman from Karachi. Which means that each city has its own extremist network and leadership, which needs to be found and neutralized. .
The reaction of SWA operation has started coming out. Twin blasts at Islamic University in Islamabad in which 2 students of Sharia faculty have died demands swift and scientific action against local networks in different cities.
Militants have proven that they have no religion and have reached the extremes where rationality is not what they under stand.
Karl Von Clausewitz defined war as extension of Political Policy by other means. Pakistani government and Army have defined the political policy, which is to eliminate the terrorism from Pakistan. Pakistan has lost more then 2000 soldiers along with thousands of civilians and other security personals.
Pakistan has failed in its efforts to engage extremists in polite and peace full way. Enemy has time and again taught us that it cannot not understand peaceful language. Now Pakistan is at war. Its time government starts building minds of people. Pakistan has to fight this war on two battlefields
· Information / Propaganda field: Pakistan can only win this war by winning hearts and minds of Public. This is a war in which victory is only possible when whole nation stands by the government. At one side Pakistan have to win hearts of IDPs coming from effected areas and on other bring consensus amongst people by exposing the faces of people who support the extremists.
· On ground Pakistan have to engage extremists physically to cut their political, material and ideological support. Its time to have no soft corner for whom so ever supports extremists weather they are internal enemies or are external forces. Its Pakistans battle for existence, which we cannot afford to lose.
Summing up through out Pakistani cities different extremist organizations have their networks. TTP has multiple centres of Gravity. This war cannot be won and Pakistan unless we break these terror networks and their sleeper cells. Its a long war. Pakistan has to break this network thread-by-thread and knot by knot.
LOST IDENTITY: Striking Taliban Center of Gravity
fatman17
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Battle for Kotkai intensifies as 20 Taliban killed
* Four soldiers killed in Taliban attack on positions around Hakeemullah’s hometown
Staff Report
TANK: The army killed 20 Taliban on the fourth day of Operation Rah-e-Nijat against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan in South Waziristan, the military said on Tuesday, as troops intensified the battle for control of Kotkai.
The Taliban claimed they killed seven soldiers in an attack, but the army said only four soldiers had been killed in the assault on positions around Kotkai – the hometown of TTP leader Hakeemullah Mehsud and trainer of suicide bombers Qari Hussain. The Taliban casualties have taken the death toll to 91 since the launch of the operation on October 16. “We are consolidating our positions around Kotkai, and control of this town will pave the way for deeper advances towards Makeen and other strongholds of the Taliban,” said military officials.
They said troops battling their way into Kotkai were facing resistance from the Taliban. “Fierce fighting going with the Taliban is in progress... we have to take full control of the town before we move deeper into Taliban territory,” said the officials.
An ISPR statement said security forces were consolidating their positions on Jandola, and extending a security perimeter around Kaskai and Shisanwam. It said Taliban from surrounding heights were engaging forces with rockets and small arms. The army said important heights surrounding Sherwangi had also been secured, and “Taliban are abandoning their positions”. Troops also seized arms and ammunition during the course of the operation’s fourth day. Long-range artillery, helicopter gunships and jet fighters are backing ground troops in the operation, fleeing residents told reporters in Tank and Dera Ismail Khan.
Meanwhile, the Taliban warned Mehsud elders against support to the military. “We call on Mehsud leaders not to support or speak in favour of the government. If any Mehsud tribesman collaborates with the government or speaks in their favour, stern action will be taken against them,” Taliban spokesman Azam Tariq told BBC.
* Four soldiers killed in Taliban attack on positions around Hakeemullah’s hometown
Staff Report
TANK: The army killed 20 Taliban on the fourth day of Operation Rah-e-Nijat against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan in South Waziristan, the military said on Tuesday, as troops intensified the battle for control of Kotkai.
The Taliban claimed they killed seven soldiers in an attack, but the army said only four soldiers had been killed in the assault on positions around Kotkai – the hometown of TTP leader Hakeemullah Mehsud and trainer of suicide bombers Qari Hussain. The Taliban casualties have taken the death toll to 91 since the launch of the operation on October 16. “We are consolidating our positions around Kotkai, and control of this town will pave the way for deeper advances towards Makeen and other strongholds of the Taliban,” said military officials.
They said troops battling their way into Kotkai were facing resistance from the Taliban. “Fierce fighting going with the Taliban is in progress... we have to take full control of the town before we move deeper into Taliban territory,” said the officials.
An ISPR statement said security forces were consolidating their positions on Jandola, and extending a security perimeter around Kaskai and Shisanwam. It said Taliban from surrounding heights were engaging forces with rockets and small arms. The army said important heights surrounding Sherwangi had also been secured, and “Taliban are abandoning their positions”. Troops also seized arms and ammunition during the course of the operation’s fourth day. Long-range artillery, helicopter gunships and jet fighters are backing ground troops in the operation, fleeing residents told reporters in Tank and Dera Ismail Khan.
Meanwhile, the Taliban warned Mehsud elders against support to the military. “We call on Mehsud leaders not to support or speak in favour of the government. If any Mehsud tribesman collaborates with the government or speaks in their favour, stern action will be taken against them,” Taliban spokesman Azam Tariq told BBC.
fatman17
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US encouraged by South Waziristan offensive: Gates
ON BOARD A US MILITARY AIRCRAFT: US Secretary of State Robert Gates on Tuesday said he was encouraged by the Pakistani offensive against Taliban but that it was too soon to judge the outcome. “I’m obviously encouraged by the Pakistani operations,” Gates told reporters aboard his aircraft en route to Tokyo. “I think that the terrorist attacks that have been launched inside Pakistan in recent days made clear the need to begin to deal with this problem,” he said. “And so we obviously are very supportive of what the Pakistanis are doing. But [still] it’s very early,” he said, adding the operation had “only been underway a few days”.
afp
ON BOARD A US MILITARY AIRCRAFT: US Secretary of State Robert Gates on Tuesday said he was encouraged by the Pakistani offensive against Taliban but that it was too soon to judge the outcome. “I’m obviously encouraged by the Pakistani operations,” Gates told reporters aboard his aircraft en route to Tokyo. “I think that the terrorist attacks that have been launched inside Pakistan in recent days made clear the need to begin to deal with this problem,” he said. “And so we obviously are very supportive of what the Pakistanis are doing. But [still] it’s very early,” he said, adding the operation had “only been underway a few days”.
afp
poor hakimullah mehsud is left with no home 
GEO Pakistan
6 foreign militants killed in S Waziristan offensive
Updated at: 0956 PST, Wednesday, October 21, 2009
WANA: Six foreign militants were killed and a house of Taliban chief demolished during ongoing operation Rah-e-Nijat in South Waziristan. Three militants were also killed in North Waziristan clash.
The sources said security forces continuously pounding militants hideouts in Ladha, Makeen and adjoining areas. Six foreign militants were killed in Sarogha during last 24 hours as ground troops advancing towards key positions of militants. In some of the areas, militants offering stiff resistance to the security forces. The houses of militant commander Hakimullah Mahsud and his key lieutenant Qari Hussain were demolished in Kotkai area
Meanwhile, militants fired mortar shells at FC camp in Razmak area of North Waziristan, however, no loss of life was reported. Three militants were killed in retaliatory action of forces.
GEO Pakistan
6 foreign militants killed in S Waziristan offensive
Updated at: 0956 PST, Wednesday, October 21, 2009
WANA: Six foreign militants were killed and a house of Taliban chief demolished during ongoing operation Rah-e-Nijat in South Waziristan. Three militants were also killed in North Waziristan clash.
The sources said security forces continuously pounding militants hideouts in Ladha, Makeen and adjoining areas. Six foreign militants were killed in Sarogha during last 24 hours as ground troops advancing towards key positions of militants. In some of the areas, militants offering stiff resistance to the security forces. The houses of militant commander Hakimullah Mahsud and his key lieutenant Qari Hussain were demolished in Kotkai area
Meanwhile, militants fired mortar shells at FC camp in Razmak area of North Waziristan, however, no loss of life was reported. Three militants were killed in retaliatory action of forces.
fatman17
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More than 112,000 flee SWA offensive: UN
ISLAMABAD: More than 112,000 people have fled South Waziristan after security forces launched a major offensive against the Taliban in the tribal region, a UN official said on Tuesday. “Almost 4,477 families, or 32,000 individuals, have got themselves registered since October 13 as against 11,000 families, or 80,500 people, who fled South Waziristan since May,” UN refugee agency spokeswoman Ariane Rummery said. The latest migration “brings the total number of displaced people to more than 112,000”, she added. Rummery said the displaced were registered at different distribution points at Tank and Dera Ismail Khan.
afp
ISLAMABAD: More than 112,000 people have fled South Waziristan after security forces launched a major offensive against the Taliban in the tribal region, a UN official said on Tuesday. “Almost 4,477 families, or 32,000 individuals, have got themselves registered since October 13 as against 11,000 families, or 80,500 people, who fled South Waziristan since May,” UN refugee agency spokeswoman Ariane Rummery said. The latest migration “brings the total number of displaced people to more than 112,000”, she added. Rummery said the displaced were registered at different distribution points at Tank and Dera Ismail Khan.
afp
fatman17
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Pak-Afghan border must be sealed: CJCSC
* British Chief of Defence Staff calls on Gen Tariq Majid, Gen Ashfaq Kayani
Staff Report
RAWALPINDI: The Pak-Afghan border must be sealed on the Afghan side to prevent the cross-border movement of terrorists and the flow of weapons into Pakistan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Tariq Majid said on Tuesday.
He was talking to United Kingdom Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup at the Joint Staff Headquarters.
The two leaders discussed a host of security-related issues, bilateral defence cooperation and the regional security situation, with a special emphasis on the situation in Afghanistan, as well as the ongoing operation in South Waziristan Agency, the ISPR said.
Gen Tariq appreciated the contributions of British troops in Afghanistan, urging the synchronisation of effort on both sides of the border and sharing of real time intelligence.
Stirrup expressed “solidarity and full support” to Pakistan, but warned against fallout in Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran.
He later met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Kayani as well.
The COAS briefed Stirrup on the ongoing operation in South Waziristan and the successful operation against the Taliban in Swat.
* British Chief of Defence Staff calls on Gen Tariq Majid, Gen Ashfaq Kayani
Staff Report
RAWALPINDI: The Pak-Afghan border must be sealed on the Afghan side to prevent the cross-border movement of terrorists and the flow of weapons into Pakistan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Tariq Majid said on Tuesday.
He was talking to United Kingdom Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup at the Joint Staff Headquarters.
The two leaders discussed a host of security-related issues, bilateral defence cooperation and the regional security situation, with a special emphasis on the situation in Afghanistan, as well as the ongoing operation in South Waziristan Agency, the ISPR said.
Gen Tariq appreciated the contributions of British troops in Afghanistan, urging the synchronisation of effort on both sides of the border and sharing of real time intelligence.
Stirrup expressed “solidarity and full support” to Pakistan, but warned against fallout in Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran.
He later met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Kayani as well.
The COAS briefed Stirrup on the ongoing operation in South Waziristan and the successful operation against the Taliban in Swat.
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