Operation Rah-e-Rast (Swat)

[Xeric]

Pakistan jets pound Taliban stronghold, 14 militants killed - Pakistan - World - The Times of India

Pakistan jets pound Taliban stronghold, 14 militants killed
6 Jul 2009, 1905 hrs IST

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani combat jets today pounded Taliban positions in the troubled South Waziristan tribal region as the army claimed 14 militants were killed in clashes with security forces in the northwestern Swat valley.

The jets attacked militant positions in Ladha area of South Waziristan, a stronghold of Pakistani Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud though there were no reports of casualties. The army has said it is preparing for an offensive against Mehsud and his network.

In Swat, where an operation against the Taliban is in its final phase, 14 militants were killed in an exchange of fire when troops engaged rebel hideouts in the Tiligram area. A large quantity of ammunition, explosives and detonators were seized during the action.

In the Matta area of Swat, security forces apprehended five militants, including a Taliban fighter named Hazrat Karim, who had beheaded two children for providing food to an army unit deployed near their home.

Two militant bases and three training centres located in an area between Tank and Dera Ismail Khan were destroyed in strikes by gunship helicopters, Express 24/7 news channel reported.

About 25 suspected militants were arrested during a search operation on the outskirts of Dera Ismail Khan town today. The houses of several militants were also demolished. Reports said Taliban fighters exchanged fire with security forces during the operation.

 

[Xeric]

General Jehangir Karamat: Challenges Facing the Pakistan Army | Atlantic Council

General Jehangir Karamat: Challenges Facing the Pakistan Army

General Jehangir Karamat, former Chairman of Pakistan's Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1997 to 1998, joined the Atlantic Council's South Asia Center for a discussion on the challenges facing Pakistan's army. General Karamat was Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States from 2004 to 2006, and he currently heads a Lahore-based think tank called Spearhead Research, which focuses on social, economic, military and political issues concerning Pakistan and Afghanistan. The event was moderated by Shuja Nawaz, the director of the South Asia Center.

Karamat described militant activity emanating from the tribal areas as a "full-blown insurgency" and predicted a long and protracted, though ultimately successful, struggle to contain the fighting and bring stability and development to the troubled regions. He added that the most dangerous threat presently posed by the Taliban is its potential to establish links with existing extremist groups elsewhere in Pakistan to carry out attacks deep within the country. Such attacks could destabilize the civilian government as well as disrupt Pakistani military operations in the tribal areas.

Karamat noted the strong support of the Pakistani population and media for the recent army operations in Swat, citing an awakening to the very real threats posed by the Taliban.

Ultimately, a lasting stability will of course require not only military resolve, but also political solutions as well. Although Pakistan has a democratically elected and constitutionally viable government, debates between the President and Parliament over divisions of power remain. Finally, Karamat said that the large amount of international assistance being offered to Pakistan is a positive opportunity for the country to "get its act together."

 

[courageneverdies]

Rawalpindi - July 6, 2009:

Update Operation (Rah e Rast) 6th July 2009

1. During last 24 hours, 14 terrorists were killed and few were apprehended while 4 soldiers were injured in Swat and Bunnu.

2. Swat

a. Security forces during search operation at Banjut recovered 50 mules loaded with arms and ammunition, medicines and ration items and also apprehended few terrorists.

b. Security forces conducted search operation at Thana, due to an IED blast, 1 soldier was injured.

c. Security forces carried out search operation at Tahirabad, Mingora and recovered surgical equipment, 9 hand grenades and office furniture from the house of a terrorist.

d. Security forces conducted search at Dadhra and recovered 1 hand grenade and high altitude sleeping bag.

e. Security forces secured area Tighak Banda and Gakhe Banda. During exchange of fire with terrorists 2 soldiers were injured at Pir Patai ridge.

f. Security forces conducted combing operation around Uchrai Sar- Ziarat Khapa - Datpanrai and recovered 2 Small Machine Guns and 1 gas mask.

g. Security forces engaged terrorists hide outs at Tiligram. 14 terrorists were killed in exchange of fire. Large quantity of ammunition and explosives, 4 IEDs, one 14.5 gun barrel and 26 detonators were also recovered.

3. Dir

a. Security forces confiscated 2,156 rounds of Small Machine Gun, 9,728 rounds of Light Machine Gun, 7 grenades, 8 magazines of Small Machine Gun, from a Single Cabin Hilux at Kharkhanai Chowk.

b. An IED planted by terrorists exploded near a civil vehicle at village Sarati Sherangal, Upper Dir. Resultantly 1 child died and 10 civilians were injured.

4. Buner. Security forces conducted search operation at Rajgae Kandao and apprehended 2 terrorists alognwith 5 Kgs explosives.

5. Bannu. Terrorists fire raided at Jani Khel Fort with mortars and small arms fire. Resultantly, 1 policemen and 1 soldier was injured.

6. Relief Activities.

a. A conference on ‘Return Strategy’ was attended by Provincial Relief Comissioner and representative of UNHCR.

b. So far 4,872 families have returned to Bajur, Buner, Shangla and Dir.

c. 6,140 cash cards were distributed amongst the IDPs of Malakand between 3-5 July 2009.

d. 754 tons of relief goods have been distributed so far in distric Shangla / Upper Swat and Mingora / Charbagh.

---

KIT Over n Out

 

[fatman17]

Associated Press Of Pakistan ( Pakistan's Premier NEWS Agency ) - Army’s new back home plan for Malakand IDPs

Army’s new back home plan for Malakand IDPs

ISLAMABAD, Jul 6 (APP): Pakistan Army designed a new plan for the IDPs’returning to their houses in Malakand. Director-General programme for rehabilitation of IDPs Shakeel Qadir told Geo News in an exclusive talk that programme for rehabilitation of IDPs from affected areas consists of three phases.

Measures will be started for restoration of facilities in first phase, compensation fordestructed houses in second phase and then steps will be taken towards further development.

this is not the army's job - i am sorry for being negative on this - this is a clear-cut issue for the local, provincial and federal govt to stop pussy-footing on this issue and come forward to do their bloody jobs!

 

[Xeric]

this is not the army's job - i am sorry for being negative on this - this is a clear-cut issue for the local, provincial and federal govt to stop pussy-footing on this issue and come forward to do their bloody jobs!

You are right sir. The civilian govt should take on this part without burdening the Army anymore. As now army has already decided to leave the current and future civilian govts on their fates.

i wonder why they still entrust such tasks to the Army as the civilians have not been satisfied with our performances in the pasts as regards to civilian affairs!

i already said here that they should take it is as a vote-bank-expansion move and do it as if its now or never, this would be a win win situation both for the dislocated persons and the govt itself!

 

[Xeric]

Salvation Army in Pakistan provides accommodation and assistance to displaced people|The Salvation Army in Canada

Salvation Army in Pakistan Assists Displaced People : Salvationist.ca | The Salvation Army

Salvation Army in Pakistan provides accommodation and assistance to displaced people
Posted on 07 July 2009


salvationarmy_pakistanPakistan - The Salvation Army in Pakistan is providing vital assistance to families forced from their homes by fighting. Many villages in Pakistan’s western border areas have been hit by violence as separatists and pro-Taliban militants fight government forces. According to provincial government reports, hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced by the fighting and the latest reports say that more than 1.9 million people have been registered as ‘internally displaced persons’ (IDPs). They are living in schools, camps and with families in host communities – wherever they can find shelter.

Fatima, a girl of around 11 years old, is one of the almost two million IDPs. She used to live in the Swat Valley with her parents but as the violence increased Fatima’s family fled and travelled with large groups of IDPs searching for a safe place to stay. In the chaos that followed, Fatima and her parents became separated. After much searching and many struggles she found her uncle and she is now staying with him. She still has no idea where her parents are, but she clings to the hope that they are well and that she will find them again.

Because of The Salvation Army’s good reputation and previous experience of responding in emergency circumstances the authorities in Pakistan requested the movement’s assistance with the huge problem of accommodation. There are several IDP camps and The Salvation Army is now working in one of these – Mazadoor Camp. Salvationists working at the camp met Fatima while distributing tents, basic cooking utensils, mats, pillows and quilts.

Nazir A. is also living in the camp. He used to live in Malakand Division, where he had a grocery shop. His business was thriving but when the fighting broke out he had to leave everything behind. When The Salvation Army distributed bags containing cooking utensils he expressed his gratitude for the assistance he had been given.

The Salvation Army in Pakistan is working hard to assist people like Fatima, Nazir A. and the hundreds of thousands of other people who need help. Team members are providing assistance with urgently needed essentials but their presence also gives people the knowledge that someone actually cares about them and that they are not forgotten.

 

[Xeric]

UK foreign secretary in Pakistan

UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband has arrived in Pakistan for the start of a three-day visit to the country.

He visited a camp for people displaced by fighting, telling them they were at the "sharp end" of Pakistan's struggle.

Mr Miliband is also expected to hold talks with President Asif Ali Zardari and other senior politicians, and visit a Madrasa Islamic School. (why)

The UK is increasing aid to Pakistan but agencies handling the humanitarian emergency say there is a cash "crisis".

Speaking to a group of villagers assembled in a tent, Mr Miliband said: "I assure you that our commitment to you is strong and long-lasting and we want to work with you to try to build the sort of long-term security that you say you want."

The displaced people told the foreign secretary they wanted to go home but were still afraid.

"We want to return but not until it's totally cleared, even though we have lots of problems here," said resident Gulzada Khan.

"We left our homes because of them and now we don't want to live with them," he said of the Taliban.

The BBC's David Loyn in Islamabad says the latest British intelligence estimate is that almost three quarters of the plots to carry out terrorist attacks in Britain have their origins in Pakistan, giving urgency to political contacts such as Mr Miliband's visit.

Much of the new aid from Britain will be spent on education, and the foreign secretary will also visit a university.

------------------


World standby with Pakistan in war against militants: Miliband

SWABI (SANA): British Foreign Secretary David Miliband has said that international community recognized and standby with Pakistan in confronting the insurgency that threatened the lives of the people.

Addressing IDPs at Yar Hussain Camp in Swabi Tuesday David Miliband said they know what happened in the past six to eight weeks while the security forces were fighting the militants. He said the government of Pakistan has the full backing of the people in fighting the militancy.

He said Britain has long standing links with Pakistan and United Kingdom and other countries wanted to work with Pakistan to redress the grievances of the IDPs and fight out the militancy. He pointed out that this was his fifth visit to Pakistan in just two years to express solidarity and also discuss practical ways in which they can work together.

The British Foreign Secretary said he wanted to meet the IDPs and after arriving in Pakistan Tuesday afternoon his first job was to visit them to have first hand information.

He said his visit is aimed at in part to discuss the IDPs problems and for their economic, social and security development. He assured that Britain’s commitment to them and Pakistan is long and lasting and they would try to build long term security links.

David Miliband during his visit met IDPs children, shook hands with them and listened to the problems from the representatives of IDPs. He also exchanged views with representatives of NGOs engaged in relief activities at the camp.

Later replying to questions by newsmen, David Miliband said British government is a long term supporter of economic and social reconstruction of Pakistan. In the last six to seven weeks, they extended an assistance of $ 35 million for humanitarian support of the IDPs in short term. He said they are providing around $ one billion for reconstruction activities in Pakistan.

To another question, he said he met the NGOS, Islamic Relief, Red Cross and the UN in London and discussed IDPs problems. He said the biggest issue is that most of the IDPs are staying with relatives and friends n communities and that makes it much more difficult to reach them.

Earlier he was briefed by Chairman of the Special Support Group Lt. General Nadeem Ahmad about relief being provided to the IDPs in the camps as well steps taken for the education of children.

He said Shangla, Buner and Dir are cleared of terrorists while in Swat area up to Mingora is clear and the rest will be secured in a week’s time. He said a huge number of IDPs from Buner have gone back and about fifteen thousand have also returned to Bajaur.

Lt. General Nadeem said that of the two hundred and eighty thousand displaced families, one hundred and ninety nine thousand have opened their accounts in banks and they are being provided cash grant of Rs 25,000 each in a transparent manner on their return. They will also be given and allowed to carry one month’s ration back home.

http://www.sananews.com.pk/english/...h-pakistan-in-war-against-militants-miliband/

 

[Xeric]

Court orders survey of IDPs in Karachi
Published: July 08, 2009

KARACHI- The same court directed its Nazir to conduct survey of internally displaced persons (IDPs) settled in
Karachi and submit his report within ten days.
A division bench of SHC on Tuesday comprising Justice Mushir Alam and Justice Karim Khan Agha held the
hearing regarding settlements of IDPs in Karachi on a petition, moved by True Line International Foundation
(TLIF), seeking shelters for these people.
The counsel the petitioner argued that IDPs were not being provided basic facilities at the camps set up in
Karachi.
He maintained that they must be shifted to Haji Camp where they could be provided all basic needs of life.
The bench has appointed Nazir of court as commissioner to conduct survey of the conditions of IDPs settled in
the refugee camps in Supper High Way area and directed him to submit report during the next hearing.
Naeem Khan Ahmed had filed a petition through Syed Ahmed Ali Shah Advocate, Abdul Wahab Ansari and
Iqbal Advocate submitting that the objection from different political parties to the influx of the IDPs in Sindh was
illegitimate.
The plaintiff submitted that IDPs had left their homeland due to Operation Rah-e-Rast by the government in
Malakand Division and other adjoining areas, which caused an unexpected situation in the country, regarding
their refuge.
Although the government had established a number of temporary residential camps in Mardan and nearby areas
where these refugees were accommodated but their number was so large number that most of them could not
be accommodated there.
He pleaded that the IDPs should be accommodated at New Haji Camp, situated in Sultanabad, Kemari Town,
where at least fifty thousand people could be settled. Moreover, after their transfer to the said place, the
objection from political parties will also disappear because the registration process and other services will be
easily accessible to the IDPs at the Haji Camp besides improvement in their living conditions.

 

[fatman17]

You are right sir. The civilian govt should take on this part without burdening the Army anymore. As now army has already decided to leave the current and future civilian govts on their fates.

i wonder why they still entrust such tasks to the Army as the civilians have not been satisfied with our performances in the pasts as regards to civilian affairs!

i already said here that they should take it is as a vote-bank-expansion move and do it as if its now or never, this would be a win win situation both for the dislocated persons and the govt itself!

the IDP issue has been politicised by the govt. in power - if u visit any of the camps, you will see huge banners exhorting the virtues of the PPP, ANP etc, and have forgotten the prime role that is to care for the IDPs. it comes from being totally dysfunctional and un-organised and that is why xeric they keep "calling" the army to assist them!

 

[fatman17]

Swat offensive seen slow, but on track

ISLAMABAD: The offensive against the Taliban in Swat is taking longer than expected, but that is unlikely to deflect the military from its plans, nor – for now – undercut public support for the action.

The army went on the attack in Swat at the end of April after Taliban gains raised international worry about Pakistan’s stability.

Later, the government and the military have set their sights on Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan chief Baitullah Mehsud in South Waziristan near the Afghan border. The military says Mehsud is responsible for 90 percent of terrorist attacks in the country.

While the military has not put a timeframe on the Swat offensive, there has been speculation the army would want to secure the valley before launching a push on Mehsud, and clashes in Swat could delay that.

“It has definitely taken a longer time, but it’s explainable in terms of the terrain, the mountains,” said defence analyst Hasan Askari Rizvi.

“They have entrenched themselves more than people generally thought, that’s why the military is having problems in completing the whole process,” he said. The failure to capture or kill leaders of the Taliban in Swat spelt trouble, another analyst said. “Unless you eliminate the leadership, however much damage you do, the command structure will manage to grow back,” said security analyst Ikram Sehgal. “As long as that leadership exists, low-intensity guerrilla warfare will keep going on.” But analysts said while Swat fighting might drag on, that would not deflect the military from going after Baitullah.

“I don't think there is a necessary relationship between the two in terms of getting done with one and then going to the next one,” said Kamran Bokhari, Middle East director for global intelligence company Stratfor. “They’re not waiting to get done with Swat before focusing on South Waziristan,” he said. “They know Swat is not over yet. Are they going to wait? It could take months. Would you want to allow Baitullah Mehsud the opportunity to do what he can?” The military is setting up choke points to surround Mehsud’s mountain stronghold and working with ethnic Pashtun tribes in the area to lock in their support.

“That’s going to determine when they’re going to go in,” said Bokhari. For now, the fear that Taliban expansion spread through the country was ensuring public support for the offensive.

The political opposition – including Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, which will be the main government challenger in the next election due by 2113 – is supportive. “His party has come to the conclusion that as long as these Taliban are not really taken care of, governance will be a hell of a problem,” said Rizvi. “They’re not going to create problems for the government on this issue.” But questions will arise before too long if Taliban violence persists and internally displaced persons languish in misery, he said. “It might become a political problem if Swat is not returned to a normal situation, maybe, by the end of August,” said Rizvi. “Then there will be real questions.”

As well as the possible problem of the suffering of the displaced undermining wider government support, anger among the displaced people can be exploited by the Taliban.

“It’s not that public support for the offensive will go down, but it could create a separate unrest that you will have to deal with. These people are susceptible to Taliban propaganda,” said Bokhari. Sehgal said pro-Taliban clerics were operating in some tent camps on the lowland where the displaced are being looked after.

“This is very dangerous. As soon as they dismantle the camps the better,” he said.

reuters

 

[fatman17]

Turning Tides: The Pakistan Army Fighting Back

by M. Hussain m.hussain"at"grandestrategy.com

The news stories from Pakistan have been bad across the board for quite some time now. Recent days have seen the TTP-led forces within 70 km of Islamabad, "peace" deals in Swat and a rising tide of attacks on major cities. However, all is not lost for the Pakistan Army. In fact, all was never lost; it has been a carefully planned strategic move on the part of General Kayani.

Politically, by giving the Pakistani Taliban a chance for peace, he has won the sympathies of the people of the region and broad national support. The local population have also had a chance of looking at life under the Pakistani Taliban, a large part of whom are former thugs and thieves. This has bought the Pakistan Army a great deal of political mileage. Meanwhile, militarily the Pakistani Taliban are overstretched. They are also dangerously close to being strategically dissected, outflanked and caught with their pants down.

Pakistan Army offensives have thus far been successful, and are likely to cut off Swat from TTP reinforcements from the South. Bajaur-Malakand-Buner axis would leave the Pakistani Taliban in Swat dissected from their friends in Mohmand Agency. The Swat Valley has very few exits and is accessible mainly from the South and North, with limited access to Shangla to the East and Dir to the West. All of which can theoretically be closed by the Pakistan Army.

The TTP have underestimated the Pakistan Army and overestimated their position and moved towards more conventional ground holding operations over classic guerrilla too quickly. They are likely to pay the price in blood, and complete loss of their northern flank. The only silver lining for the TTP will be the use of massive American weaponry including borrowed choppers that are likely to be used in such an operation. This would equate the Pakistan Army=stooges of America.

The Pakistani game plan has been masterminded by General Kayani, who is now emerging as a seasoned chess-player and a veritable Pakistani Putin. He has deftly fixed the political crisis without directly interfering in the affairs of the state. "The Kayani Model", a term coined by former Chief of Army Staff Jehangir Karamat, represents a new framework for the Pakistan Army. As Karamat puts it, - "invisible but around, fully informed and acting through well timed and effective influence".

 

[fatman17]

Operation finished in Swat, Buner: Kaira
View attachment 3850

Minister for Information and Broadcast Qamaruzzaman Kaira Wednesday announced the completion of military operation in restive Swat and Buner districts, report said. Addressing a news briefing alongside Director General Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Athar Abbass, the minister declared that Pakistan Army has concluded its offensive in Swat and Buner districts of Malakand Division, claiming that militants had been flushed out from the areas. Athar Abass told the reporters that the troops have successfully completed the operation in the restive areas destroying all the militant training camps and their terror network, adding that all the main highways have been opened in the cleared areas. DG ISPR also confirmed the reports that Maulana Fazlullah, the chief of Taliban in Swat, has been injured after Pak jets and helicopter gunship blitzed on his hideout in Shamozai area of Swat.

TheNation.com.pk

 

[s90]

^ YES!

Pakistan Taliban commander hurt as offensive continues

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Pakistan Taliban commander Maulana Fazlullah has been injured in the ongoing military offensive in northwest Pakistan, a military spokesman said Wednesday.

Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas did not say how serious the injuries were. Fazlullah is the head of the Pakistan Taliban in the Swat Valley.

 

[Xeric]

:: ISPR :: Inter Services Public Relations - PAKISTAN

COAS today presided over a high level meeting held at GHQ. Meeting was attended by senior military official involved in Malakand Operations. Hosts of issues including return of IDPs were discussed during the meeting. Participants dwelt at length on following issues / areas of concern:-

The operation Rah-e-Raast was launched on 8 May 09. After intense and sustained operations, conditions for transcending into the final phase i.e return of dislocated population in Malakand division including Swat have largely been obtained. Some limited pockets of resistance remain which are in the process of being eliminated.

This conditioning of environment includes clearance of major population centers and main roads leading to Swat valley and most other areas of the division. While top leadership of Malakand based terrorists is being pursued relentlessly, terrorists command and control, logistics and training infrastructure has been destroyed / disrupted and substantial middle/low level leadership has been killed / apprehended. The provincial government, with active support of Army’s special support group has ensured restoration of maximum essential services like electricity, gas, water, roads, fuel stations and banking system. Civil administrative set up and local police services are now adequately functional.

The nature of residual challenge implies that occurrence of some isolated terrorists incident(s) can not be ruled out. Thus the Army will stay in Swat (size and location will depend upon operational requirements) to conduct search and destroy operations where required. These will be intelligence led operations, which will fully involve the local community in identifying hiding terrorists in their respective areas.

The whole nation can justifiably be proud of its unflinching support for the operation stemming from nationalistic, patriotic ferver. However, the real hero’s of operation Rah-e-Raast have been the resilient displaced population of Malakand division. We owe a gratitude to their will and determination. Similarly, we need to salute the bravery and sacrifices rendered by the Army. 158 Amy personnel laid down their lives and 548 individuals were injured during these operations.

The provincial government has made a comprehensive plan for return of the dislocated population. Army Special Support Group and humanitarian organizations / Non Governmental Organizations are fully involved in preparation of this plan and will be pro active partners in its execution. The security of dislocated population during their return and transition phase including reconstruction / rehabilitation phase will remain a high priority for the Army as well as the civilian administration.

Malakand operations have proved that with the help and support of people of Pakistan, Pakistan Army can accomplish the most daunting of the challenges.

 

[AgNoStiC MuSliM]

^^ Way to go - the most critical phase (in terms of judging long term success) appears to be starting.