fatman17
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the problem is two-fold!
poor marketing skills on our part and the "deaf ears" syndrome on the part of our "allies"
Operation Rah-e-Rast (Swat)
- Thread starter AgNoStiC MuSliM
- Start date
the problem is two-fold!
poor marketing skills on our part and the "deaf ears" syndrome on the part of our "allies"
TaimiKhan
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Pakistan does not need the afghan permission, the reason Pakistan wants it to be a joined project is to be done it mutually so that the patrolling is done by both sides as Pakistan itself can not patrol the whole 2500KM border.
Plus many villages are such that half village is in Afghanistan and half in Pakistan, also many tribes are inter related or live in an area which again lies between Pakistan & Afganistan, and these tribes won't like to be divided by a fence.
For Afghan govt refusal is just because they don't accept the Durrand Line.
Pakistan has already started to fence and mine the critical areas, if u guys remember last year or in 2007 a clash had taken place in the North Waziristan agency between Pakistani & Afghan forces, when Afghan forces tried to take down the fence erected by Pakistan.
This is one huge and gigantic task, which requires money and man power, plus the whole border can not be fenced, as the 2500KM border consists of plain land, huge mountains & deserts.
But critical areas & doable areas can be mined and fenced & hope so they are being done, as for other areas surveillance through air or ground be used to have at least some check and chances of reducing infiltration will also go up.
But this whole project needs money, rather a constant flow of money and infrastructure & technology.
Plus many villages are such that half village is in Afghanistan and half in Pakistan, also many tribes are inter related or live in an area which again lies between Pakistan & Afganistan, and these tribes won't like to be divided by a fence.
For Afghan govt refusal is just because they don't accept the Durrand Line.
Pakistan has already started to fence and mine the critical areas, if u guys remember last year or in 2007 a clash had taken place in the North Waziristan agency between Pakistani & Afghan forces, when Afghan forces tried to take down the fence erected by Pakistan.
This is one huge and gigantic task, which requires money and man power, plus the whole border can not be fenced, as the 2500KM border consists of plain land, huge mountains & deserts.
But critical areas & doable areas can be mined and fenced & hope so they are being done, as for other areas surveillance through air or ground be used to have at least some check and chances of reducing infiltration will also go up.
But this whole project needs money, rather a constant flow of money and infrastructure & technology.
TaimiKhan
SENIOR MODERATOR
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2009
- Messages
- 8,956
- Reaction score
- 10
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Update Operation (Rah e Rast) 1st August 2009
1. Backed by people of the area, search operations are successfully being conducted by security forces in Swat and Malakand.
2. Swat
1. Two local terrorists from Shakardarra voluntarily surrendered to security forces at Shalpalam.
2. Security forces conducted search operation at Daranpata and Sinpora (3 Km South of West Chuprial) and recovered different medicines and surgical equipment from Zarrar Markaz (A terrorist hub).
3. Security forces conducted search operation at Malukabad and Cham near Charbagh and killed 2 terrorists and apprehended 4 suspects.
4. Security forces conducted search operation at Ballogram, Qambar and Rahimabad and apprehended 2 terrorists and destroyed 8 houses of terrorists.
5. f. Two vehicles belonging to terrorist Ibne-Amin which were buried in the ground at Derai in Beha valley were recovered during search operation.
3. Buner. Terrorists quarreled with each other at Batara, Buner over release of a kidnapped civilian. 1 terrorist was killed and five were injured in the fight.
4. Mohmand. 6 wanted terrorists belonging to Mirza Khel and Shati Khel tribes unconditionally surrendered to civil administration.
5. Relief Activities.
1. 237,574 cash cards have been distributed amongst the IDPs of Malakand.
2. 13 trucks of rations and relief items were despatched for the people of Mingora.
---------- Post added at 11:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:50 AM ----------
pdate Operation (Rah e Rast) 2nd August 2009
1.　　Search and clearance operations continued by security forces in Swat and Malakand.
2.　　Swat
a.　　During search and cordon operations in area Derai and Danda, 2 Terrorists were killed and 7 were apprehended.
b.　　During the search operation in Biha Valley security forces discovered 2 tunnels of 75 meters and 60 feet length, 4 fresh dug graves and 1 training camp with bunkers and a generator.
c.　　Security forces conducted search and clearance operations at Kamargai near Gulibagh and apprehended 10 suspects including a local commander.
d.　　1 local terrorist Khair ur Rehman voluntarily surrendered to security forces alongwith his weapon at Shangla.
e.　　During search operation in Gorai, Kotlai and Daragai, 2 terrorists were killed and 2 suspected terrorists were apprehended alognwith their weapons.
f.　　 Security forces carried out search operation in Shah Dheri and apprehended 8 suspected terrorists and recovered 4 rifles and 3 pistols.
g.　　During search operation, a cave was discovered in Amlukdara by the security forces. 3 prepared IEDs (including 1 water cooler IED), 80 Kgs explosives and 220 meters detonating cord was also discovered.
3.　　Relief Activities.　
a.　　So far 239,689 cash cards have been distributed amongst the IDPs of Malakand.
b.　　12 trucks of rations, non food items and medicines were despatched for the people of Mingora.
1. Backed by people of the area, search operations are successfully being conducted by security forces in Swat and Malakand.
2. Swat
1. Two local terrorists from Shakardarra voluntarily surrendered to security forces at Shalpalam.
2. Security forces conducted search operation at Daranpata and Sinpora (3 Km South of West Chuprial) and recovered different medicines and surgical equipment from Zarrar Markaz (A terrorist hub).
3. Security forces conducted search operation at Malukabad and Cham near Charbagh and killed 2 terrorists and apprehended 4 suspects.
4. Security forces conducted search operation at Ballogram, Qambar and Rahimabad and apprehended 2 terrorists and destroyed 8 houses of terrorists.
5. f. Two vehicles belonging to terrorist Ibne-Amin which were buried in the ground at Derai in Beha valley were recovered during search operation.
3. Buner. Terrorists quarreled with each other at Batara, Buner over release of a kidnapped civilian. 1 terrorist was killed and five were injured in the fight.
4. Mohmand. 6 wanted terrorists belonging to Mirza Khel and Shati Khel tribes unconditionally surrendered to civil administration.
5. Relief Activities.
1. 237,574 cash cards have been distributed amongst the IDPs of Malakand.
2. 13 trucks of rations and relief items were despatched for the people of Mingora.
---------- Post added at 11:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:50 AM ----------
pdate Operation (Rah e Rast) 2nd August 2009
1.　　Search and clearance operations continued by security forces in Swat and Malakand.
2.　　Swat
a.　　During search and cordon operations in area Derai and Danda, 2 Terrorists were killed and 7 were apprehended.
b.　　During the search operation in Biha Valley security forces discovered 2 tunnels of 75 meters and 60 feet length, 4 fresh dug graves and 1 training camp with bunkers and a generator.
c.　　Security forces conducted search and clearance operations at Kamargai near Gulibagh and apprehended 10 suspects including a local commander.
d.　　1 local terrorist Khair ur Rehman voluntarily surrendered to security forces alongwith his weapon at Shangla.
e.　　During search operation in Gorai, Kotlai and Daragai, 2 terrorists were killed and 2 suspected terrorists were apprehended alognwith their weapons.
f.　　 Security forces carried out search operation in Shah Dheri and apprehended 8 suspected terrorists and recovered 4 rifles and 3 pistols.
g.　　During search operation, a cave was discovered in Amlukdara by the security forces. 3 prepared IEDs (including 1 water cooler IED), 80 Kgs explosives and 220 meters detonating cord was also discovered.
3.　　Relief Activities.　
a.　　So far 239,689 cash cards have been distributed amongst the IDPs of Malakand.
b.　　12 trucks of rations, non food items and medicines were despatched for the people of Mingora.
Xeric
RETIRED THINK TANK
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2008
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http://pakistaniat.com/2009/08/03/jonaid-khan-ssg/
Inspiration Pakistan: My Boy Jonaid
Aisha Sarwari
Capt. Jonaid Khan: Special Services Group in the Pakistan army was born in Quetta in 1983, with his primary education in Ankara, where his father Prof. Ayaz Ahmad Khan was stationed on deputation in the Pakistan Mission, Ankara. He was abducted by Taliban on April 19, 2009 and said to be martyred on May 10th 2009.
I met Prof. Ayaz Ahmad Khan at Saint Marys College in Rawalpindi. He was sitting in a modest office, inquiring about costs he had to approve for the college which is run for those students who fall through the cracks. This was 100km from where his son, Capt. Jonaid Khan, died 2 months ago, in Swat.
His kind green eyes seemed like he was accustomed to the often misplaced bravado and valorous praise that visitors greet him with since his son was killed in combat fighting with Taliban. Misplaced, because, Capt. Jonaid died in extraordinary circumstances that require not the commemorative tone of a shaheed cleared for the pearly gates of heaven, but with simple silence, shock and disgust at the barbarity that he faced in his last hours. It is incredibly impossible to maintain confidence when you are meeting a man who lost his son at the hands of the Taliban, whose son was, according to the Pakistan Army, beheaded.
I could have said something: I came to pay my condolences. I am sorry for your terrible loss. But I couldnt and instead we began chatting about Turkey, where he was posted for years. He talked about how Pakistanis were considered blood relatives of the Turks, and how the major difference between Turkey and Pakistan was that Turkey was never colonized and how people in Ankara with whom he worked with tried to convince him to stay in Turkey. There was a deep sadness in his anecdotes, like there is a dam of emotions held back with concrete and fierce pride. Prof. Ayaz was a proud Pakistani Pashtoon, a Yousef-Zai Pashtoon and it was not hard to imagine the dignity with which he was fighting this battle between pain and sanity.
Eventually he said, I should have stayed back, maybe then, I could have saved my son. He smiled sadly as he said that.
Only in times of great trauma does one realize that life is short, and the meaning comes from the relationships we hold, between parent and child, and most importantly between nations and citizens.
Although we can interpret the brutal beheading of an SSG Commando and a number of others by Taliban, as an act of war, and within the rules of war, it was a vengeful strike back by the enemy on an army that once fed it and nurtured it with American aid. A more introspective analysis may perhaps reveal that the nation has failed to protect its most loyal citizen - a commando.
The failure is not abstract. Any countrys armed forced are designed to send their best and bravest in harms way but failure in the sense that on one hand the country is protecting its dynastic political kings at the top in the name of democracy, and on the other hand barbaric thugs equipped with medieval ruthlessness from Arab and Central Asian war techniques hound Pakistans northern borders like they own those lands. Under a new cyber law, it is criminal to send any derogatory messages against President, Asif Ali Zardari electronically, leading up to 16 years in prison. The survailance needed to put this law into action is astounding, proving that it is far more important for the current administration to protect a public figures already tainted reputation than it is to locate an abducted Army officer fighting for his country.
If a nation is only as strong as its army and any constitutions basis is undoubtedly on a strong and equipped army then the question arises: Is the government effectively focusing on winning this war in Swat with minimal loss of men?
On April 19, 2009, Capt. Jonaid along with 3 others was on a surveillance mission in Swat, when the Taliban, led by Maulana Fazlullah, abducted them in the cagey mountains, to use as bargaining chip against key Taliban that the Pakistan Army had taken as prisoners.
What is strange is that Prof. Ayaz continued to receive phone calls from his son after his abduction.
I was concerned about Jonaid when I didnt hear from him, and contacted his officers who assured me he was safe and in a location in the Swat Mountains that didnt have communication signals, but when I heard from Jonaid a few days later, I had no reason to be alarmed.
Partly to protect his mission and partly to be positive with his family, Capt. Jonaid spent hours talking to his mother about his upcoming wedding and the arrangements needed. These calls continued for a few more days until they stopped. Soon after the Pakistan Army contacted Prof. Ayaz and told him that they suspect Capt. Jonaid was abducted by the Taliban, and that they are hopeful that theyll learn his whereabouts soon.
Upset at being left in the dark for so long after the army knew, Prof. Ayaz probed on his own as well as provided helpful details to the Pakistan Army. When he called back from the various numbers Capt. Jonaid used, and few days later after the abduction, a Taliban called and asked to talk with Jonaids father about his son who has been with them.
What he said after that was so insulting that I broke down. It was terrible; he insulted me, and the Pakistan Army. He cursed at me for sending my son to fight Muslims and finally demanded an explanation from me about why my son doesnt know how to speak good Pushto I told him, son, I dont know, I never really saw the need, we knew the languages we required to communicate, narrated Prof. Ayaz in a calm, descriptive voice.
The Taliban asked: What kind of father are you? You dont even know what your son is doing here?
I could answer that, but you wont like my answer, and you have my son at your mercy, how can you expect me to honestly respond? Prof. Ayaz said.
At the Talibans insistence, Prof. Ayaz asked him a question in response to his: Do your parents know what youre doing right now, son, do they know you are kidnapping and beheading and killing fellow Muslims?
Not hardened to the extent that Prof. Ayaz expected, the Taliban was speechless for a few seconds and then engaged in softened conversation, referring to him as Uncle, and at the end asked what can he do for him. Prof. Ayaz asked to release the persons they have abducted. The Taliban said he cant do that. However, he did promise to protect Capt. Jonaid as long as he lived.
Prof. Ayaz may be a victim of the psychology of all parents who lose their sons without identifying them after death. He may be reacting to the grief by denying that Jonaid is dead, because he has not seen the coffin of his son and is still in a state of illusion.
I thought of this as I observed Prof. Ayaz tell me this tragic series of events. He looked out the window and drew a breath of conviction and said, I am still looking.
I thanked him for his time, and his story. What else could I say?
If Capt. Jonaid and his team were bait for Fazlullah, the Taliban faction leader, linked with Al Qaida is still alive and well, according to the national press. Fazlullah has enjoyed many other privileges too: He is more commonly known as the FM Mullah, for his ability to run and preach anarchy against Pakistan over the countrys own air waves without any restrictions from the government. This went on indefinitely, as long as he recruited enough men to stage this insurgency in Swat. He is also the son-in-law of Sufi Muhammad, the groups leader. The government officially had a pact with Sufi Muhammad early in the year so he could officially establish an Islamic state in Swat, in return for clumsy peace.
On July 27, 2009, the Urdu Jang reported said that Sufi Muhammad was taken into custody at Sethi Town, Peshawar on Sunday July 26 instant and will be prosecuted for the abduction of 3 (not 4) Pakistan Army officers. NWFP Information Minister Main Iftikhar Hussain confirmed the TNSM chiefs arrest and has said the group, Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM) and its past conduct will be investigated. Sufi Muhammads arrest is not as relevant and the militants high command is still said to be intact.
Despite the much lauded operation in Swat where the Pakistan Army achieved with creativity and nerve what even other armies better equipped could not, there should still be an accountability of how far we are from ending this war which was started in the name of a US-Backed Central Asian oil pipeline.
Are we headed towards a war strategy that is sustainable, or one that has unmanageable reactionary elements as its side effects, punishing the very people who are its most idealistic fighters and who believe in Pakistan?
The games go on, and yet many fathers wont stop waiting for their sons to return home this Eid. Prof. Ayaz reminded me of Rudyard Kiplings, poem, My Boy Jack, after his own son went missing in the Battle of Loos, during World War I.
My Boy Jack
by Rudyard Kipling (1915)
Have you news of my boy Jack?
Not this tide.
When dyou think that hell come back?
Not with this wind blowing, and this tide.
Has any one else had word of him?
Not this tide.
For what is sunk will hardly swim,
Not with this wind blowing, and this tide.
Oh, dear, what comfort can I find?
None this tide,
Nor any tide,
Except he did not shame his kind
Not even with that wind blowing, and that tide.
Then hold your head up all the more,
This tide,
And every tide;
Because he was the son you bore,
And gave to that wind blowing and that tide!
Inspiration Pakistan: My Boy Jonaid
Aisha Sarwari
Capt. Jonaid Khan: Special Services Group in the Pakistan army was born in Quetta in 1983, with his primary education in Ankara, where his father Prof. Ayaz Ahmad Khan was stationed on deputation in the Pakistan Mission, Ankara. He was abducted by Taliban on April 19, 2009 and said to be martyred on May 10th 2009.
I met Prof. Ayaz Ahmad Khan at Saint Marys College in Rawalpindi. He was sitting in a modest office, inquiring about costs he had to approve for the college which is run for those students who fall through the cracks. This was 100km from where his son, Capt. Jonaid Khan, died 2 months ago, in Swat.
His kind green eyes seemed like he was accustomed to the often misplaced bravado and valorous praise that visitors greet him with since his son was killed in combat fighting with Taliban. Misplaced, because, Capt. Jonaid died in extraordinary circumstances that require not the commemorative tone of a shaheed cleared for the pearly gates of heaven, but with simple silence, shock and disgust at the barbarity that he faced in his last hours. It is incredibly impossible to maintain confidence when you are meeting a man who lost his son at the hands of the Taliban, whose son was, according to the Pakistan Army, beheaded.
I could have said something: I came to pay my condolences. I am sorry for your terrible loss. But I couldnt and instead we began chatting about Turkey, where he was posted for years. He talked about how Pakistanis were considered blood relatives of the Turks, and how the major difference between Turkey and Pakistan was that Turkey was never colonized and how people in Ankara with whom he worked with tried to convince him to stay in Turkey. There was a deep sadness in his anecdotes, like there is a dam of emotions held back with concrete and fierce pride. Prof. Ayaz was a proud Pakistani Pashtoon, a Yousef-Zai Pashtoon and it was not hard to imagine the dignity with which he was fighting this battle between pain and sanity.
Eventually he said, I should have stayed back, maybe then, I could have saved my son. He smiled sadly as he said that.
Only in times of great trauma does one realize that life is short, and the meaning comes from the relationships we hold, between parent and child, and most importantly between nations and citizens.
Although we can interpret the brutal beheading of an SSG Commando and a number of others by Taliban, as an act of war, and within the rules of war, it was a vengeful strike back by the enemy on an army that once fed it and nurtured it with American aid. A more introspective analysis may perhaps reveal that the nation has failed to protect its most loyal citizen - a commando.
The failure is not abstract. Any countrys armed forced are designed to send their best and bravest in harms way but failure in the sense that on one hand the country is protecting its dynastic political kings at the top in the name of democracy, and on the other hand barbaric thugs equipped with medieval ruthlessness from Arab and Central Asian war techniques hound Pakistans northern borders like they own those lands. Under a new cyber law, it is criminal to send any derogatory messages against President, Asif Ali Zardari electronically, leading up to 16 years in prison. The survailance needed to put this law into action is astounding, proving that it is far more important for the current administration to protect a public figures already tainted reputation than it is to locate an abducted Army officer fighting for his country.
If a nation is only as strong as its army and any constitutions basis is undoubtedly on a strong and equipped army then the question arises: Is the government effectively focusing on winning this war in Swat with minimal loss of men?
On April 19, 2009, Capt. Jonaid along with 3 others was on a surveillance mission in Swat, when the Taliban, led by Maulana Fazlullah, abducted them in the cagey mountains, to use as bargaining chip against key Taliban that the Pakistan Army had taken as prisoners.
What is strange is that Prof. Ayaz continued to receive phone calls from his son after his abduction.
I was concerned about Jonaid when I didnt hear from him, and contacted his officers who assured me he was safe and in a location in the Swat Mountains that didnt have communication signals, but when I heard from Jonaid a few days later, I had no reason to be alarmed.
Partly to protect his mission and partly to be positive with his family, Capt. Jonaid spent hours talking to his mother about his upcoming wedding and the arrangements needed. These calls continued for a few more days until they stopped. Soon after the Pakistan Army contacted Prof. Ayaz and told him that they suspect Capt. Jonaid was abducted by the Taliban, and that they are hopeful that theyll learn his whereabouts soon.
Upset at being left in the dark for so long after the army knew, Prof. Ayaz probed on his own as well as provided helpful details to the Pakistan Army. When he called back from the various numbers Capt. Jonaid used, and few days later after the abduction, a Taliban called and asked to talk with Jonaids father about his son who has been with them.
What he said after that was so insulting that I broke down. It was terrible; he insulted me, and the Pakistan Army. He cursed at me for sending my son to fight Muslims and finally demanded an explanation from me about why my son doesnt know how to speak good Pushto I told him, son, I dont know, I never really saw the need, we knew the languages we required to communicate, narrated Prof. Ayaz in a calm, descriptive voice.
The Taliban asked: What kind of father are you? You dont even know what your son is doing here?
I could answer that, but you wont like my answer, and you have my son at your mercy, how can you expect me to honestly respond? Prof. Ayaz said.
At the Talibans insistence, Prof. Ayaz asked him a question in response to his: Do your parents know what youre doing right now, son, do they know you are kidnapping and beheading and killing fellow Muslims?
Not hardened to the extent that Prof. Ayaz expected, the Taliban was speechless for a few seconds and then engaged in softened conversation, referring to him as Uncle, and at the end asked what can he do for him. Prof. Ayaz asked to release the persons they have abducted. The Taliban said he cant do that. However, he did promise to protect Capt. Jonaid as long as he lived.
Prof. Ayaz may be a victim of the psychology of all parents who lose their sons without identifying them after death. He may be reacting to the grief by denying that Jonaid is dead, because he has not seen the coffin of his son and is still in a state of illusion.
I thought of this as I observed Prof. Ayaz tell me this tragic series of events. He looked out the window and drew a breath of conviction and said, I am still looking.
I thanked him for his time, and his story. What else could I say?
If Capt. Jonaid and his team were bait for Fazlullah, the Taliban faction leader, linked with Al Qaida is still alive and well, according to the national press. Fazlullah has enjoyed many other privileges too: He is more commonly known as the FM Mullah, for his ability to run and preach anarchy against Pakistan over the countrys own air waves without any restrictions from the government. This went on indefinitely, as long as he recruited enough men to stage this insurgency in Swat. He is also the son-in-law of Sufi Muhammad, the groups leader. The government officially had a pact with Sufi Muhammad early in the year so he could officially establish an Islamic state in Swat, in return for clumsy peace.
On July 27, 2009, the Urdu Jang reported said that Sufi Muhammad was taken into custody at Sethi Town, Peshawar on Sunday July 26 instant and will be prosecuted for the abduction of 3 (not 4) Pakistan Army officers. NWFP Information Minister Main Iftikhar Hussain confirmed the TNSM chiefs arrest and has said the group, Tehreek-e-Nafaz-e-Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM) and its past conduct will be investigated. Sufi Muhammads arrest is not as relevant and the militants high command is still said to be intact.
Despite the much lauded operation in Swat where the Pakistan Army achieved with creativity and nerve what even other armies better equipped could not, there should still be an accountability of how far we are from ending this war which was started in the name of a US-Backed Central Asian oil pipeline.
Are we headed towards a war strategy that is sustainable, or one that has unmanageable reactionary elements as its side effects, punishing the very people who are its most idealistic fighters and who believe in Pakistan?
The games go on, and yet many fathers wont stop waiting for their sons to return home this Eid. Prof. Ayaz reminded me of Rudyard Kiplings, poem, My Boy Jack, after his own son went missing in the Battle of Loos, during World War I.
My Boy Jack
by Rudyard Kipling (1915)
Have you news of my boy Jack?
Not this tide.
When dyou think that hell come back?
Not with this wind blowing, and this tide.
Has any one else had word of him?
Not this tide.
For what is sunk will hardly swim,
Not with this wind blowing, and this tide.
Oh, dear, what comfort can I find?
None this tide,
Nor any tide,
Except he did not shame his kind
Not even with that wind blowing, and that tide.
Then hold your head up all the more,
This tide,
And every tide;
Because he was the son you bore,
And gave to that wind blowing and that tide!
Xeric
RETIRED THINK TANK
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2008
- Messages
- 8,297
- Reaction score
- 42
- Country
- Location
17 militants captured in Pak's tribal belt
17 militants captured in Pak's tribal belt
Press Trust of India, Tuesday August 4, 2009, Islamabad
Stepping up search operations in the country's restive northwest, Pakistani security forces captured 17 suspected militants in Malakand amid reports that at least 12 people, including women, were killed in the cross-fire between the troops and Taliban in the tribal belt.
Two policemen, who were on a routine patrol in Chota Lahor area of Swabi district, located near the volatile Swat valley, were also injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on them early Tuesday morning.
The policemen returned fire though the attackers managed to flee from the scene, reports said. The injured policemen were admitted to a local hospital. Police launched a search for the attackers.
Meanwhile, a report from the tribal belt said six women, four girls and two men were killed and eight others injured during exchanges of fire between security forces and militants. Local tribesmen said eight of the dead belonged to the same family.
The people were killed when shells fired by security forces and the Taliban landed on homes at Data Khel, 45 km from Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan Agency.
The tribesmen also said that there were no casualties among the security forces and militants.
Separately, the military said security forces were continuing search and clearance operations in the troubled Malakand division, which includes Swat, with the support of local lashkars or tribal militias.
Eight suspects were apprehended and a tunnel built by militants was destroyed by troops during cordon and search operations near Charbagh, a former Taliban stronghold in Swat.
Four suspects were captured during a search and clearance operation at Kalam and Bahrain, also former militant strongholds. Security forces apprehended two suspects near Saidu Sharif, a key town in Swat valley.
Three militants were apprehended along with weapons, ammunition and an IED during a search at Dagai, Garoh, Kotali and Tutan Banda.
Troops discovered two tunnels measuring 60 feet and 30 feet during a search in Peochar valley. During an operation in Dahrah and Nagwa, three homes of militants were demolished and 10 rifles, four machine guns, two pistols, two grenades, a mine detector and ammunition were recovered.
In Buner district, security forces demolished homes of four militant commanders in a village near Ambela.
17 militants captured in Pak's tribal belt
Press Trust of India, Tuesday August 4, 2009, Islamabad
Stepping up search operations in the country's restive northwest, Pakistani security forces captured 17 suspected militants in Malakand amid reports that at least 12 people, including women, were killed in the cross-fire between the troops and Taliban in the tribal belt.
Two policemen, who were on a routine patrol in Chota Lahor area of Swabi district, located near the volatile Swat valley, were also injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on them early Tuesday morning.
The policemen returned fire though the attackers managed to flee from the scene, reports said. The injured policemen were admitted to a local hospital. Police launched a search for the attackers.
Meanwhile, a report from the tribal belt said six women, four girls and two men were killed and eight others injured during exchanges of fire between security forces and militants. Local tribesmen said eight of the dead belonged to the same family.
The people were killed when shells fired by security forces and the Taliban landed on homes at Data Khel, 45 km from Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan Agency.
The tribesmen also said that there were no casualties among the security forces and militants.
Separately, the military said security forces were continuing search and clearance operations in the troubled Malakand division, which includes Swat, with the support of local lashkars or tribal militias.
Eight suspects were apprehended and a tunnel built by militants was destroyed by troops during cordon and search operations near Charbagh, a former Taliban stronghold in Swat.
Four suspects were captured during a search and clearance operation at Kalam and Bahrain, also former militant strongholds. Security forces apprehended two suspects near Saidu Sharif, a key town in Swat valley.
Three militants were apprehended along with weapons, ammunition and an IED during a search at Dagai, Garoh, Kotali and Tutan Banda.
Troops discovered two tunnels measuring 60 feet and 30 feet during a search in Peochar valley. During an operation in Dahrah and Nagwa, three homes of militants were demolished and 10 rifles, four machine guns, two pistols, two grenades, a mine detector and ammunition were recovered.
In Buner district, security forces demolished homes of four militant commanders in a village near Ambela.
fatman17
PDF THINK TANK: CONSULTANT
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2007
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Swat Taliban out, but will they stay out?
* IDPs apprehensive about security situation, fear militant resurgence * Most operation-hit towns in ruins, littered with buried ordnance
MINGORA: Frightened civilians fear the Taliban will pounce again on Swat as residents try to rebuild shattered lives and shot nerves in the valley once likened to Switzerland.
Islamabad claims the military has “eliminated” the Taliban, but stringent security checks, unexploded ordnance and ruined homes lie in wait for some of the nearly two million people displaced by fighting between security forces and Taliban militants.
“I can smell them. I’m still afraid of them,” said Badar Gul on the outskirts of Mingora, where his bus stalled in a snarl of vehicles carrying the internally displaced persons (IDPs) back to their homes.
The 65-year-old Gul was headed to Charhbagh with his five-member family, desperate to leave his IDP camp but uncertain about the future in Swat.
“The Taliban may come back and the Taliban still have hideouts in the hilly areas,” he said.
Voluntary returns have been going on for weeks. An army spokesman claimed on Tuesday that nearly 100,000 families had returned to Swat.
The army launched the latest offensive to dislodge Taliban guerrillas from districts in and around the valley this April after rebels flouted a peace deal and advanced into new territory further south towards Islamabad.
Commanders say more than 1,800 militants and 166 security personnel have died but none of the most-wanted Taliban leadership in Swat have been killed or captured. Neither is there any independent confirmation of the death tolls.
Not true: “A year ago the government promised us that Swat was clear but Taliban rule returned. Now the government announced the same thing again. It’s a total drama,” Gul added.
Despite upbeat assessments from the military, skirmishes have continued and bodies can still be found dumped near roadsides. On Monday, fighter jets bombed Taliban hideouts killing at least five militants near Swat, officials said.
Homes in Gul’s northern town are in ruins. Two mosques were destroyed, their roofs and walls reduced to rubble, said a reporter.
Local police operated from a tent, their original building destroyed by militants. A school commandeered by the Taliban was razed.
“Only 10 percent of Charbagh residents have come back. It is the worst affected town,” said Ghulam Nabbi, a 34-year-old local shopkeeper.
Militia destroyed hundreds of schools. Sadiqa Salih calls the Taliban her “big enemy” because her school on the outskirts of Mingora was one of those destroyed simply for teaching girls subjects deemed un-Islamic.
Inevitable: “I am sure they will come back. My father told me they are hiding in the mountains,” the 18-year-old student said from her family home.
A Mingora juice bar owner was fed up with stringent security checks to and from work everyday. “I cross seven checkpoints to get to my shop and the same when I return in the evening,” said 35-year-old Amir Hamad.
afp
* IDPs apprehensive about security situation, fear militant resurgence * Most operation-hit towns in ruins, littered with buried ordnance
MINGORA: Frightened civilians fear the Taliban will pounce again on Swat as residents try to rebuild shattered lives and shot nerves in the valley once likened to Switzerland.
Islamabad claims the military has “eliminated” the Taliban, but stringent security checks, unexploded ordnance and ruined homes lie in wait for some of the nearly two million people displaced by fighting between security forces and Taliban militants.
“I can smell them. I’m still afraid of them,” said Badar Gul on the outskirts of Mingora, where his bus stalled in a snarl of vehicles carrying the internally displaced persons (IDPs) back to their homes.
The 65-year-old Gul was headed to Charhbagh with his five-member family, desperate to leave his IDP camp but uncertain about the future in Swat.
“The Taliban may come back and the Taliban still have hideouts in the hilly areas,” he said.
Voluntary returns have been going on for weeks. An army spokesman claimed on Tuesday that nearly 100,000 families had returned to Swat.
The army launched the latest offensive to dislodge Taliban guerrillas from districts in and around the valley this April after rebels flouted a peace deal and advanced into new territory further south towards Islamabad.
Commanders say more than 1,800 militants and 166 security personnel have died but none of the most-wanted Taliban leadership in Swat have been killed or captured. Neither is there any independent confirmation of the death tolls.
Not true: “A year ago the government promised us that Swat was clear but Taliban rule returned. Now the government announced the same thing again. It’s a total drama,” Gul added.
Despite upbeat assessments from the military, skirmishes have continued and bodies can still be found dumped near roadsides. On Monday, fighter jets bombed Taliban hideouts killing at least five militants near Swat, officials said.
Homes in Gul’s northern town are in ruins. Two mosques were destroyed, their roofs and walls reduced to rubble, said a reporter.
Local police operated from a tent, their original building destroyed by militants. A school commandeered by the Taliban was razed.
“Only 10 percent of Charbagh residents have come back. It is the worst affected town,” said Ghulam Nabbi, a 34-year-old local shopkeeper.
Militia destroyed hundreds of schools. Sadiqa Salih calls the Taliban her “big enemy” because her school on the outskirts of Mingora was one of those destroyed simply for teaching girls subjects deemed un-Islamic.
Inevitable: “I am sure they will come back. My father told me they are hiding in the mountains,” the 18-year-old student said from her family home.
A Mingora juice bar owner was fed up with stringent security checks to and from work everyday. “I cross seven checkpoints to get to my shop and the same when I return in the evening,” said 35-year-old Amir Hamad.
afp
fatman17
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Young boys recount time at Taliban camps
MINGORA: In a voice barely above a whisper, one of the boys recruited by the Taliban stared at his feet as he recounted haltingly how the Taliban kidnapped him and a classmate as they played in the street. He recounted how they cleaned dishes for a few days in a militant training camp before escaping during Friday prayers. The army says it has so far found 20 such boys in Swat. They believe the Taliban hoped to turn the boys into informants, fighters or even suicide bombers. Some escaped, others were rescued by authorities. Major Nasir Khan said many more were believed to be in Taliban hands. Eleven such boys - the youngest only about 7 years old – were presented to journalists on Monday at a military base in Mingora. Public opinion has been a major factor in the government’s war against the Taliban. When the operation in Swat and Malakand began in April, it came on the heels of a much-hyped video of a girl being flogged by masked Taliban, which generated much sympathy for the operation. Now, the army is counting on the harrowing ordeals of these young boys to help turn public opinion against the Taliban. Three of the boys appeared to be younger than 10 and were visibly traumatised, occasionally breaking down in tears. The others were mostly in their mid-teens.
ap
MINGORA: In a voice barely above a whisper, one of the boys recruited by the Taliban stared at his feet as he recounted haltingly how the Taliban kidnapped him and a classmate as they played in the street. He recounted how they cleaned dishes for a few days in a militant training camp before escaping during Friday prayers. The army says it has so far found 20 such boys in Swat. They believe the Taliban hoped to turn the boys into informants, fighters or even suicide bombers. Some escaped, others were rescued by authorities. Major Nasir Khan said many more were believed to be in Taliban hands. Eleven such boys - the youngest only about 7 years old – were presented to journalists on Monday at a military base in Mingora. Public opinion has been a major factor in the government’s war against the Taliban. When the operation in Swat and Malakand began in April, it came on the heels of a much-hyped video of a girl being flogged by masked Taliban, which generated much sympathy for the operation. Now, the army is counting on the harrowing ordeals of these young boys to help turn public opinion against the Taliban. Three of the boys appeared to be younger than 10 and were visibly traumatised, occasionally breaking down in tears. The others were mostly in their mid-teens.
ap
courageneverdies
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Rawalpindi - August 3, 2009:
Update Operation (Rah e Rast) 3rd August 2009
1.　　　Search and clearance operations continued by security forces in Swat and Malakand. Trend of terrorists surrendering voluntarily is picking up.
2.　Swat
a. During search operation security forces apprehended 1 Terrorist from Panrsat near Chuprial and defused 1 IED on track Panrsat-Pankarai.
b. During search operation by Security forces at Ashara near Bar Durshkhel and Shakardarra, 2 terrorists were apprehended and 3 houses of terrorist were demolished.
c. 3 terrorists voluntarily surrendered themselves to security forces at Shangla.
d. During search and clearance operation at Puronai / Kukarai, security forces apprehended 6 suspects.
e. Security forces conducted search operation in Gokdara near Mingora and recovered 1 Small Machine Gun (SMG) alongwith 3 magazines, 2 pistols and 1 computer.
f. Security forces carried out search operation in Salampur and apprehended 4 terrorists and also recovered 4 rifles and 30 rounds of pistol.
g. During search and clearance operation security forces apprehended 1 terrorist from Dargai Killay, Malakand.
3. Buner.
During search and clearance operation by security forces 2 terrorists were apprehended from Katkalla village and a grenade was also recovered.
4. Relief Activities.
So far 239,689 cash cards have been distributed amongst the IDPs of Malakand.
---
KIT Over n Out
Update Operation (Rah e Rast) 3rd August 2009
1.　　　Search and clearance operations continued by security forces in Swat and Malakand. Trend of terrorists surrendering voluntarily is picking up.
2.　Swat
a. During search operation security forces apprehended 1 Terrorist from Panrsat near Chuprial and defused 1 IED on track Panrsat-Pankarai.
b. During search operation by Security forces at Ashara near Bar Durshkhel and Shakardarra, 2 terrorists were apprehended and 3 houses of terrorist were demolished.
c. 3 terrorists voluntarily surrendered themselves to security forces at Shangla.
d. During search and clearance operation at Puronai / Kukarai, security forces apprehended 6 suspects.
e. Security forces conducted search operation in Gokdara near Mingora and recovered 1 Small Machine Gun (SMG) alongwith 3 magazines, 2 pistols and 1 computer.
f. Security forces carried out search operation in Salampur and apprehended 4 terrorists and also recovered 4 rifles and 30 rounds of pistol.
g. During search and clearance operation security forces apprehended 1 terrorist from Dargai Killay, Malakand.
3. Buner.
During search and clearance operation by security forces 2 terrorists were apprehended from Katkalla village and a grenade was also recovered.
4. Relief Activities.
So far 239,689 cash cards have been distributed amongst the IDPs of Malakand.
---
KIT Over n Out
courageneverdies
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Rawalpindi - August 4, 2009:
Update Operation (Rah e Rast) 4th August 2009
1. A number of terrorists have voluntarily surrendered to security forces during last week and the trend of terrorists surrendering voluntarily is picking up. Meanwhile Search and clearance operations are continuing in Swat and Malakand with the support of local Lashkars.
2.Swat
a. Security forces conducted search and clearance operation at Kalam and Bahrain. 4 suspects were apprehended.
b. During search operation in Piochar Valley, two tunnels of 60 feet and 30 feet long were discovered in Rampatai.
d. Security forces carried out Cordon and search operations in village Bahadar Gaam, near Charbagh and found under ground tunnel which was destroyed and 8 suspects were also apprehended.
e. During search and clearance operation security forces apprehended 2 suspects from Jambil near Saidu Sharif.
f. Security forces carried out search operation in Dahrah and Nagwa. 3 Terrorists houses were demolished and 10 x rifles, 4 Small Machine Guns (SMGs), 2 pistols, 2 Grenades, 1 Mine Detector and ammunition of various calibers were recovered.
g. Security forces carried out search operation in Dagai, Garoh and Kotali, Tutan Banda and apprehended 3 terrorists and recovered 5 rifles, 1 pistol, 1 IED prepared in Pressure Cooker and ammunition of various calibers.
3. Buner .
Security forces carried out search and clearance on road Ambela Nawagai and demolished houses of 4 terrorists commanders in village Koga near Ambela.
4. Relief Activities.
So far 240,400 cash cards have been distributed amongst the IDPs of Malakand.
---
KIT Over n Out
Update Operation (Rah e Rast) 4th August 2009
1. A number of terrorists have voluntarily surrendered to security forces during last week and the trend of terrorists surrendering voluntarily is picking up. Meanwhile Search and clearance operations are continuing in Swat and Malakand with the support of local Lashkars.
2.Swat
a. Security forces conducted search and clearance operation at Kalam and Bahrain. 4 suspects were apprehended.
b. During search operation in Piochar Valley, two tunnels of 60 feet and 30 feet long were discovered in Rampatai.
d. Security forces carried out Cordon and search operations in village Bahadar Gaam, near Charbagh and found under ground tunnel which was destroyed and 8 suspects were also apprehended.
e. During search and clearance operation security forces apprehended 2 suspects from Jambil near Saidu Sharif.
f. Security forces carried out search operation in Dahrah and Nagwa. 3 Terrorists houses were demolished and 10 x rifles, 4 Small Machine Guns (SMGs), 2 pistols, 2 Grenades, 1 Mine Detector and ammunition of various calibers were recovered.
g. Security forces carried out search operation in Dagai, Garoh and Kotali, Tutan Banda and apprehended 3 terrorists and recovered 5 rifles, 1 pistol, 1 IED prepared in Pressure Cooker and ammunition of various calibers.
3. Buner .
Security forces carried out search and clearance on road Ambela Nawagai and demolished houses of 4 terrorists commanders in village Koga near Ambela.
4. Relief Activities.
So far 240,400 cash cards have been distributed amongst the IDPs of Malakand.
---
KIT Over n Out
courageneverdies
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Rawalpindi - August 5, 2009:
Update Operation (Rah e Rast) 5th August 2009
1.　　Search and clearance operations are continuing in Swat and Malakand with the support of local Lashkars.
2.　 Swat
a. Security forces conducted search operation at Kabalgram near Martung,Shangla and destroyed 10 terrorists hideouts.
b. Security forces conducted search operation at Kuz Shaur near Chuprial and apprehended 8 terrorists.
c. Security forces conducted search operation near Mingora and apprehended 6 terrorists.
d. Security forces conducted search operation around Charbagh and demolished 5 terrorist hideouts.
e. Security forces conducted search operation at Nigulai and Kuza Banda and confiscated 3 vehicles (1 toyota surf ,1 land cruiser and potohar) of terrorist commander Khurshid.
f. Security forces conducted search operation at Kotah near Barikot and killed 1 terrorist and recovered arms and ammunition.
g. Security forces conducted search operation at Goratai and killed 3 terrorists including an IEDs / bomb expert.
3. Dir .
a. Local lashkar during search operation suppoerted by Frontier Corps at Dog Darra killed 4 terrorists including an important terrorist commander Shakoor. The Lashkar has surrounded the terrorists and are closing in rapidly.
b. Security forces raided house of a terrorist in Munz Banda and recovered 20 kgs explosives, detonators and lot of material required for preparation of IEDs.
4. Relief Activities.
a. So far 242,259 cash cards have been distributed amongst the IDPs of Malakand.
b. 5.456 billion rupees have been withdrawn by IDPs of Malakand
---
KIT Over n Out
Update Operation (Rah e Rast) 5th August 2009
1.　　Search and clearance operations are continuing in Swat and Malakand with the support of local Lashkars.
2.　 Swat
a. Security forces conducted search operation at Kabalgram near Martung,Shangla and destroyed 10 terrorists hideouts.
b. Security forces conducted search operation at Kuz Shaur near Chuprial and apprehended 8 terrorists.
c. Security forces conducted search operation near Mingora and apprehended 6 terrorists.
d. Security forces conducted search operation around Charbagh and demolished 5 terrorist hideouts.
e. Security forces conducted search operation at Nigulai and Kuza Banda and confiscated 3 vehicles (1 toyota surf ,1 land cruiser and potohar) of terrorist commander Khurshid.
f. Security forces conducted search operation at Kotah near Barikot and killed 1 terrorist and recovered arms and ammunition.
g. Security forces conducted search operation at Goratai and killed 3 terrorists including an IEDs / bomb expert.
3. Dir .
a. Local lashkar during search operation suppoerted by Frontier Corps at Dog Darra killed 4 terrorists including an important terrorist commander Shakoor. The Lashkar has surrounded the terrorists and are closing in rapidly.
b. Security forces raided house of a terrorist in Munz Banda and recovered 20 kgs explosives, detonators and lot of material required for preparation of IEDs.
4. Relief Activities.
a. So far 242,259 cash cards have been distributed amongst the IDPs of Malakand.
b. 5.456 billion rupees have been withdrawn by IDPs of Malakand
---
KIT Over n Out
Xeric
RETIRED THINK TANK
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- Mar 31, 2008
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The Canadian Press: Back in their destroyed homes, Pakistanis form militias against lurking Taliban fighters
Back in their destroyed homes, Pakistanis form militias against lurking Taliban fighters
By Elena Becatoros (CP) 1 hour ago
SULTANWAS, Pakistan Village leaders in a former Taliban stronghold are rebuilding their own militia to protect the area from militants holding out in nearby hills after fleeing the Pakistani army's offensive last spring.
The military operation in the Swat Valley and surrounding areas is winding down, but sporadic fighting persists - a sign that the Taliban has not given up. Locals say Taliban fighters are hiding in the hills outside Sultanwas, a village pulverized by air strikes and tanks during Pakistan's offensive.
So villagers are leaving nothing to chance: They have reorganized their own militia and say they are talking to nearby villages to join forces.
Pakistan's authorities say such militias, known as lashkars, can prevent the Taliban from rebounding in the strategic area north of the capital. The groups have been compared to Iraq's Awakening Councils, which helped U.S. forces turn the tide against al-Qaida there.
"The army is protecting the main road, and we are protecting the village," said one of the militiamen, Abdul Rauf, 43.
The concept is an old one in Pakistan, where lashkars have augmented security in the lawless tribal belt along the Afghan border. But they have not been a feature of the more peaceful districts such as Buner, which includes Sultanwas, and in the nearby Swat Valley.
Nevertheless, authorities have encouraged the local militias.
They are "a great assistance, support to the government agencies, to law enforcement," said army spokesman Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas.
Sultanwas was the first village in the area to form its own defence force against the Taliban in April, the army and residents say. But the fighters withdrew after receiving assurances from a local administrator that the militants would not enter. The administrator was alleged to have been a Taliban sympathizer.
The village soon became one of the militants' southernmost strongholds as the Taliban swept south from Swat. The Taliban later lost control of Sultanwas in the spring offensive by the army.
With the militants gone, militiamen are now organizing patrols and setting up positions.
"We are sure if the Taliban come back, we will fight," said Rauf.
Thirty members of the Sultanwas lashkar recently teamed up with security forces in a clearance operation in the area.
A firefight Wednesday between militants and a lashkar in the nearby Dir district, supported by paramilitary troops, left at least four militants dead, the military said.
Maj. Gen. Tariq Khan, commander of the paramilitary Frontier Corps, said the militias play an important role because they allow the army to operate elsewhere instead of being tied down guarding villages.
More importantly, they can identify local militants whom outsiders might not recognize.
"The lashkars are the right type of people who control the markets, control the bus stands and can see who's coming and who's going out," Khan said.
But critics say the militias could become a threat without proper supervision.
"It is quite possible that these armed groups, once they don't have the militants to fight, ... will become a power in their own substance and start oppressing the people of that area," political and defence analyst Ikram Sehgal warned.
There are also doubts as to how effective the often ramshackle forces - armed with their own, often aging, weapons - can be when faced with a sustained assault by the much better trained and armed Taliban.
In Sultanwas, the militia currently numbers about 150 fighters, including a 13-year-old boy and a 65-year-old man. The group's arsenal on display recently consisted of little more than the ubiquitous Kalashnikov rifles and a couple of light machine-guns - and a pistol patented in Spain in 1928.
But the fighters themselves appear unperturbed.
"We are ready for self-defence. (The Taliban) can attack at any time, maybe at night, maybe during the day. Maybe they will send a suicide bomber," said Eftikhar Ahmad, 26. "We are living a risky life, but we have no other way. So we accept the Taliban's challenge."
Back in their destroyed homes, Pakistanis form militias against lurking Taliban fighters
By Elena Becatoros (CP) 1 hour ago
SULTANWAS, Pakistan Village leaders in a former Taliban stronghold are rebuilding their own militia to protect the area from militants holding out in nearby hills after fleeing the Pakistani army's offensive last spring.
The military operation in the Swat Valley and surrounding areas is winding down, but sporadic fighting persists - a sign that the Taliban has not given up. Locals say Taliban fighters are hiding in the hills outside Sultanwas, a village pulverized by air strikes and tanks during Pakistan's offensive.
So villagers are leaving nothing to chance: They have reorganized their own militia and say they are talking to nearby villages to join forces.
Pakistan's authorities say such militias, known as lashkars, can prevent the Taliban from rebounding in the strategic area north of the capital. The groups have been compared to Iraq's Awakening Councils, which helped U.S. forces turn the tide against al-Qaida there.
"The army is protecting the main road, and we are protecting the village," said one of the militiamen, Abdul Rauf, 43.
The concept is an old one in Pakistan, where lashkars have augmented security in the lawless tribal belt along the Afghan border. But they have not been a feature of the more peaceful districts such as Buner, which includes Sultanwas, and in the nearby Swat Valley.
Nevertheless, authorities have encouraged the local militias.
They are "a great assistance, support to the government agencies, to law enforcement," said army spokesman Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas.
Sultanwas was the first village in the area to form its own defence force against the Taliban in April, the army and residents say. But the fighters withdrew after receiving assurances from a local administrator that the militants would not enter. The administrator was alleged to have been a Taliban sympathizer.
The village soon became one of the militants' southernmost strongholds as the Taliban swept south from Swat. The Taliban later lost control of Sultanwas in the spring offensive by the army.
With the militants gone, militiamen are now organizing patrols and setting up positions.
"We are sure if the Taliban come back, we will fight," said Rauf.
Thirty members of the Sultanwas lashkar recently teamed up with security forces in a clearance operation in the area.
A firefight Wednesday between militants and a lashkar in the nearby Dir district, supported by paramilitary troops, left at least four militants dead, the military said.
Maj. Gen. Tariq Khan, commander of the paramilitary Frontier Corps, said the militias play an important role because they allow the army to operate elsewhere instead of being tied down guarding villages.
More importantly, they can identify local militants whom outsiders might not recognize.
"The lashkars are the right type of people who control the markets, control the bus stands and can see who's coming and who's going out," Khan said.
But critics say the militias could become a threat without proper supervision.
"It is quite possible that these armed groups, once they don't have the militants to fight, ... will become a power in their own substance and start oppressing the people of that area," political and defence analyst Ikram Sehgal warned.
There are also doubts as to how effective the often ramshackle forces - armed with their own, often aging, weapons - can be when faced with a sustained assault by the much better trained and armed Taliban.
In Sultanwas, the militia currently numbers about 150 fighters, including a 13-year-old boy and a 65-year-old man. The group's arsenal on display recently consisted of little more than the ubiquitous Kalashnikov rifles and a couple of light machine-guns - and a pistol patented in Spain in 1928.
But the fighters themselves appear unperturbed.
"We are ready for self-defence. (The Taliban) can attack at any time, maybe at night, maybe during the day. Maybe they will send a suicide bomber," said Eftikhar Ahmad, 26. "We are living a risky life, but we have no other way. So we accept the Taliban's challenge."
Xeric
RETIRED THINK TANK
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Pakistani troops kill seven militants in Swat - Monsters and Critics
Pakistani troops kill seven militants in Swat
South Asia News
Aug 6, 2009, 11:17 GMT
Islamabad - Pakistan's military said on Thursday that it killed seven more 'terrorists' in the north-western Swat valley where a clearance operation was continuing after more than two months of fighting between troops and Taliban militants.
Security forces backed by jet aircraft launched a blistering offensive on May 8 against supporters of local radical cleric Maulana Fazlullah who exploited a peace deal to expand their influence to neighbouring districts.
After weeks of intense clashes, authorities announced in July that troops have cleared most parts of the scenic valley, located around 140 kilometers northwest of the capital, Islamabad.
More than 1,700 militants have been reported killed in the fighting. However, the toll could not be confirmed independently.
Four insurgents were killed in an encounter with soldiers near Kabbal town, and three more died in search operations elsewhere in the mountain district, a military statement said on Thursday.
Troops also arrested 17 militants, while four fighters surrendered, it said. Arms caches and explosives were also seized.
Commentators say though security forces have gained control of the former tourist haven, there are still fears about a resurgence of militancy as none of the top Taliban commanders in Swat have been killed or captured during the onslaught.
Pakistani troops kill seven militants in Swat
South Asia News
Aug 6, 2009, 11:17 GMT
Islamabad - Pakistan's military said on Thursday that it killed seven more 'terrorists' in the north-western Swat valley where a clearance operation was continuing after more than two months of fighting between troops and Taliban militants.
Security forces backed by jet aircraft launched a blistering offensive on May 8 against supporters of local radical cleric Maulana Fazlullah who exploited a peace deal to expand their influence to neighbouring districts.
After weeks of intense clashes, authorities announced in July that troops have cleared most parts of the scenic valley, located around 140 kilometers northwest of the capital, Islamabad.
More than 1,700 militants have been reported killed in the fighting. However, the toll could not be confirmed independently.
Four insurgents were killed in an encounter with soldiers near Kabbal town, and three more died in search operations elsewhere in the mountain district, a military statement said on Thursday.
Troops also arrested 17 militants, while four fighters surrendered, it said. Arms caches and explosives were also seized.
Commentators say though security forces have gained control of the former tourist haven, there are still fears about a resurgence of militancy as none of the top Taliban commanders in Swat have been killed or captured during the onslaught.
Xeric
RETIRED THINK TANK
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- Mar 31, 2008
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Pakistani troops kill seven militants in Swat - Monsters and Critics
Pakistani troops kill seven militants in Swat
South Asia News
Aug 6, 2009, 11:17 GMT
Islamabad - Pakistan's military said on Thursday that it killed seven more 'terrorists' in the north-western Swat valley where a clearance operation was continuing after more than two months of fighting between troops and Taliban militants.
Security forces backed by jet aircraft launched a blistering offensive on May 8 against supporters of local radical cleric Maulana Fazlullah who exploited a peace deal to expand their influence to neighbouring districts.
After weeks of intense clashes, authorities announced in July that troops have cleared most parts of the scenic valley, located around 140 kilometers northwest of the capital, Islamabad.
More than 1,700 militants have been reported killed in the fighting. However, the toll could not be confirmed independently.
Four insurgents were killed in an encounter with soldiers near Kabbal town, and three more died in search operations elsewhere in the mountain district, a military statement said on Thursday.
Troops also arrested 17 militants, while four fighters surrendered, it said. Arms caches and explosives were also seized.
Commentators say though security forces have gained control of the former tourist haven, there are still fears about a resurgence of militancy as none of the top Taliban commanders in Swat have been killed or captured during the onslaught.
Pakistani troops kill seven militants in Swat
South Asia News
Aug 6, 2009, 11:17 GMT
Islamabad - Pakistan's military said on Thursday that it killed seven more 'terrorists' in the north-western Swat valley where a clearance operation was continuing after more than two months of fighting between troops and Taliban militants.
Security forces backed by jet aircraft launched a blistering offensive on May 8 against supporters of local radical cleric Maulana Fazlullah who exploited a peace deal to expand their influence to neighbouring districts.
After weeks of intense clashes, authorities announced in July that troops have cleared most parts of the scenic valley, located around 140 kilometers northwest of the capital, Islamabad.
More than 1,700 militants have been reported killed in the fighting. However, the toll could not be confirmed independently.
Four insurgents were killed in an encounter with soldiers near Kabbal town, and three more died in search operations elsewhere in the mountain district, a military statement said on Thursday.
Troops also arrested 17 militants, while four fighters surrendered, it said. Arms caches and explosives were also seized.
Commentators say though security forces have gained control of the former tourist haven, there are still fears about a resurgence of militancy as none of the top Taliban commanders in Swat have been killed or captured during the onslaught.
air marshal
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11 killed in Lashkar attack in Upper Dir
August 6, 2009
UPPER DIR, Aug 5: Eleven militants were killed when a tribal Lashkar attacked their hideouts in Doog Darra area in Upper Dir on Wednesday.
Sources said the Qaumi Lashkar volunteers had attacked the bunkers of militants in Shatkas and Ghazigai villages.
One militant, identified as Zakirullah, was arrested and four houses of suspected militants were set on fire in Shatkas. Lashkar sources said five of the men killed were Afghans, two were from Swat and four, including Taliban commander Shakoor, were local militants.
Four Lashkar volunteers suffered injuries.
The Taliban claimed that only four of their men had been killed in the attack.
However, Lashkar sources said they would present the bodies of the 11 militants before the media on Thursday.
The sources said the volunteers had besieged another 20 to 40 militants in Ghazigai, but there was no report of their surrender or arrest till late night.
The Lashkar claimed that they would soon be able to eliminate militants from the region.
The Lashkarkashi (operation) against militants was launched in Doog Darra on June 6 after a suicide bomber had killed 40 people in a mosque in Shatkas.
Security forces were helping the tribal people with arms, ammunitions and ration.
Troops also pounded suspected militant hideouts in Shatkas and Ghazigai from Panakot and Doog Darra with artillery and mortars.
Link: DAWN.COM | Front Page | 11 killed in Lashkar attack in Upper Dir
August 6, 2009
UPPER DIR, Aug 5: Eleven militants were killed when a tribal Lashkar attacked their hideouts in Doog Darra area in Upper Dir on Wednesday.
Sources said the Qaumi Lashkar volunteers had attacked the bunkers of militants in Shatkas and Ghazigai villages.
One militant, identified as Zakirullah, was arrested and four houses of suspected militants were set on fire in Shatkas. Lashkar sources said five of the men killed were Afghans, two were from Swat and four, including Taliban commander Shakoor, were local militants.
Four Lashkar volunteers suffered injuries.
The Taliban claimed that only four of their men had been killed in the attack.
However, Lashkar sources said they would present the bodies of the 11 militants before the media on Thursday.
The sources said the volunteers had besieged another 20 to 40 militants in Ghazigai, but there was no report of their surrender or arrest till late night.
The Lashkar claimed that they would soon be able to eliminate militants from the region.
The Lashkarkashi (operation) against militants was launched in Doog Darra on June 6 after a suicide bomber had killed 40 people in a mosque in Shatkas.
Security forces were helping the tribal people with arms, ammunitions and ration.
Troops also pounded suspected militant hideouts in Shatkas and Ghazigai from Panakot and Doog Darra with artillery and mortars.
Link: DAWN.COM | Front Page | 11 killed in Lashkar attack in Upper Dir
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AFP: Pakistani vigilantes claim to have killed 167 Taliban
Pakistani vigilantes claim to have killed 167 Taliban
(AFP) 2 hours ago
PESHAWAR, Pakistan Local vigilantes allied to Pakistani soldiers on Thursday claimed to have killed at least 167 militants in two months, an indication of the growing reach of private armies in the northwest.
Officials have said up to 1,000 villagers in Upper Dir formed a vigilante mob two months ago to avenge a mosque bombing that killed 38 people on June 5 in the village of Hayagai Sharqai.
"We started with 200 men and now there are 3,000 people," Malik Moatbir Khan, the chief of the vigilante force, told AFP.
"We have killed 167 Taliban militants so far in many gunfights helped by the army," Khan said, adding that 97 volunteers were also "martyred."
There was no independent confirmation of the death toll.
Suicide and bomb attacks have killed 2,000 people in Pakistan in the last two years. Government forces have been bogged down, fighting for years against Taliban militants spreading out of tribal areas into settled areas.
Saddled with a standing army that lacks equipment and counter-insurgency specialists, one of Pakistan's answers has been to arm and support tribesmen to protect local communities.
Pakistan's Frontier Corps paramilitary had no details about death tolls, but confirmed that security forces were cooperating closely with tribal lashkars.
"The local lashkars are helping security forces close in on militants and we have close coordination with them," a local paramilitary spokesman told AFP.
"We are providing them with rations, vehicles and ammunition," he said.
Pakistan claims that recent fighting largely "eliminated" extremists from three northwest districts, but many fear that Taliban fighters have disappeared into the mountains rather than been outright defeated.
Commanders say more than 1,800 militants and 166 soldiers were killed in the latest assault, two years after the Taliban first rose up in the Swat valley under radical cleric Maulana Fazlullah to enforce repressive Islamic laws.
Pakistani vigilantes claim to have killed 167 Taliban
(AFP) 2 hours ago
PESHAWAR, Pakistan Local vigilantes allied to Pakistani soldiers on Thursday claimed to have killed at least 167 militants in two months, an indication of the growing reach of private armies in the northwest.
Officials have said up to 1,000 villagers in Upper Dir formed a vigilante mob two months ago to avenge a mosque bombing that killed 38 people on June 5 in the village of Hayagai Sharqai.
"We started with 200 men and now there are 3,000 people," Malik Moatbir Khan, the chief of the vigilante force, told AFP.
"We have killed 167 Taliban militants so far in many gunfights helped by the army," Khan said, adding that 97 volunteers were also "martyred."
There was no independent confirmation of the death toll.
Suicide and bomb attacks have killed 2,000 people in Pakistan in the last two years. Government forces have been bogged down, fighting for years against Taliban militants spreading out of tribal areas into settled areas.
Saddled with a standing army that lacks equipment and counter-insurgency specialists, one of Pakistan's answers has been to arm and support tribesmen to protect local communities.
Pakistan's Frontier Corps paramilitary had no details about death tolls, but confirmed that security forces were cooperating closely with tribal lashkars.
"The local lashkars are helping security forces close in on militants and we have close coordination with them," a local paramilitary spokesman told AFP.
"We are providing them with rations, vehicles and ammunition," he said.
Pakistan claims that recent fighting largely "eliminated" extremists from three northwest districts, but many fear that Taliban fighters have disappeared into the mountains rather than been outright defeated.
Commanders say more than 1,800 militants and 166 soldiers were killed in the latest assault, two years after the Taliban first rose up in the Swat valley under radical cleric Maulana Fazlullah to enforce repressive Islamic laws.
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