Operation Rah-e-Rast (Swat)
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ajpirzada
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Security forces advance on strategic Kamber bridge
By Iftikhar A. Khan
Thursday, 21 May, 2009 | 09:49 PM PST |
This handout picture released by Inter Services Public Relations shows Pakistani Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani (C) visit the Daggar area in Buner District.—AFP Metropolitan
Major Abid Malik laid to rest in Lahore ISLAMABAD: The security forces achieved a major success on Thursday by almost taking control of strategically-located Kamber bridge which overlooks Mingora city and directly accesses Kamber town in Swat, defence sources told Dawn.
They said terrorists had constructed concrete bunkers and had dumped arms, ammunition and explosives in caves in the area. Intense search and destroy operations were underway in the area to cut the supply of weaponry to terrorists operating in Mingora.
They said the security forces had reached both the sides of Ayub Bridge and the bridge will be completely blocked before launching a full scale operation in Mingora city. They said most of the local population of Mingora had left and the terrorists were still present in the area.
They said the Kamber town was the hub of terrorists and four main commanders of Maulana Fazlullah were from the area.
Military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas when contacted confirmed the progress of security forces taking over control of almost three-fourths of the Kamber bridge.
He said that the security forces had killed several terrorists including an important commander Abu Tariq during intense fighting in various areas of Swat.
He said the operation Rah e Rast was progressing well and besides inflicting casualties on the miscreants another seven had been apprehended. This brings the number of terrorists so far arrested to 25, in addition to the almost 30 foreign nationals arrested by the security forces from different areas.
He said five soldiers laid down their lives while another seven, including an officer, were injured. He said exchange of fire and fierce fighting was going on in different areas of Swat.
He said the security forces had cleared a number of miscreants’ hideouts in the Peochar Valley and were conducting search and destroy operations. Firefights are taking place between terrorists and security forces. Troops has secured and cleared the area up to Shahid Khapa, he added.
Security forces are strengthening their positions around Takhtaband Bridge, Barikot, Gokdara, Udigram area. A number of miscreants were killed while five soldiers lost their lives and four others were injured in Kanju and Takhtaband area.
Security Forces attacked Banai Baba Ziarat, the highest point in the area and a ‘miscreants-terrorists’ stronghold. It has been fully secured, soouces said
Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Thursday visited Daggar in Buner District to see first hand progress of operations on ground. He met the commanders and troops participating in ongoing operations and had an informal discussion with them. COAS appreciated the morale of the troops. He was also briefed about operations by the field commanders.
Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman Chief of Air Staff Pakistan Air Force
Also visited an operational Base on Thursday, from where Air Operations were being undertaken against the Militants in Swat Valley and adjoining areas.
On His arrival at the Operational Base, he was briefed by the Base Commander about the significant aspects of Air Operations.
Addressing the airmen of the Base, the Air Chief said PAF undertook its obligations towards National security and was therefore supporting Pakistan
He said the PAF was striking targets located in isolated areas. PAF was using only precision guided munitions to avoid civilian casualties and collateral damage. He said intelligence and information about targets was being provided to PAF by the ground forces engaged with the militants. Pak Army as well as the PAF were extremely careful about targets selection to avoid civilian casualties and collateral damage during the operation.
He said the targets engaged by PAF included militants’ tunnel structures, ammunition dumps, militants training camps and militant commanders’ hideouts.
The Air Chief said PAF was also contributing significantly towards the relief efforts of the IDPs. It is in the process of setting up a relief camp for 250 families and a field hospital, which will be run by the NWFP government and sustained by the PAF. PAF will handover the camp and relief goods to NWFP government shortly. He further said the PAF will continue its relief operations by airlifting relief goods from Karachi, Quetta and Lahore by utilizing its transports aircraft fleet to ensure speedy delivery of the relief goods to needy IDPs.
DAWN.COM | Provinces | Security forces advance on strategic Kamber bridge
By Iftikhar A. Khan
Thursday, 21 May, 2009 | 09:49 PM PST |
This handout picture released by Inter Services Public Relations shows Pakistani Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani (C) visit the Daggar area in Buner District.—AFP Metropolitan
Major Abid Malik laid to rest in Lahore ISLAMABAD: The security forces achieved a major success on Thursday by almost taking control of strategically-located Kamber bridge which overlooks Mingora city and directly accesses Kamber town in Swat, defence sources told Dawn.
They said terrorists had constructed concrete bunkers and had dumped arms, ammunition and explosives in caves in the area. Intense search and destroy operations were underway in the area to cut the supply of weaponry to terrorists operating in Mingora.
They said the security forces had reached both the sides of Ayub Bridge and the bridge will be completely blocked before launching a full scale operation in Mingora city. They said most of the local population of Mingora had left and the terrorists were still present in the area.
They said the Kamber town was the hub of terrorists and four main commanders of Maulana Fazlullah were from the area.
Military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas when contacted confirmed the progress of security forces taking over control of almost three-fourths of the Kamber bridge.
He said that the security forces had killed several terrorists including an important commander Abu Tariq during intense fighting in various areas of Swat.
He said the operation Rah e Rast was progressing well and besides inflicting casualties on the miscreants another seven had been apprehended. This brings the number of terrorists so far arrested to 25, in addition to the almost 30 foreign nationals arrested by the security forces from different areas.
He said five soldiers laid down their lives while another seven, including an officer, were injured. He said exchange of fire and fierce fighting was going on in different areas of Swat.
He said the security forces had cleared a number of miscreants’ hideouts in the Peochar Valley and were conducting search and destroy operations. Firefights are taking place between terrorists and security forces. Troops has secured and cleared the area up to Shahid Khapa, he added.
Security forces are strengthening their positions around Takhtaband Bridge, Barikot, Gokdara, Udigram area. A number of miscreants were killed while five soldiers lost their lives and four others were injured in Kanju and Takhtaband area.
Security Forces attacked Banai Baba Ziarat, the highest point in the area and a ‘miscreants-terrorists’ stronghold. It has been fully secured, soouces said
Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Thursday visited Daggar in Buner District to see first hand progress of operations on ground. He met the commanders and troops participating in ongoing operations and had an informal discussion with them. COAS appreciated the morale of the troops. He was also briefed about operations by the field commanders.
Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman Chief of Air Staff Pakistan Air Force
Also visited an operational Base on Thursday, from where Air Operations were being undertaken against the Militants in Swat Valley and adjoining areas.
On His arrival at the Operational Base, he was briefed by the Base Commander about the significant aspects of Air Operations.
Addressing the airmen of the Base, the Air Chief said PAF undertook its obligations towards National security and was therefore supporting Pakistan
He said the PAF was striking targets located in isolated areas. PAF was using only precision guided munitions to avoid civilian casualties and collateral damage. He said intelligence and information about targets was being provided to PAF by the ground forces engaged with the militants. Pak Army as well as the PAF were extremely careful about targets selection to avoid civilian casualties and collateral damage during the operation.
He said the targets engaged by PAF included militants’ tunnel structures, ammunition dumps, militants training camps and militant commanders’ hideouts.
The Air Chief said PAF was also contributing significantly towards the relief efforts of the IDPs. It is in the process of setting up a relief camp for 250 families and a field hospital, which will be run by the NWFP government and sustained by the PAF. PAF will handover the camp and relief goods to NWFP government shortly. He further said the PAF will continue its relief operations by airlifting relief goods from Karachi, Quetta and Lahore by utilizing its transports aircraft fleet to ensure speedy delivery of the relief goods to needy IDPs.
DAWN.COM | Provinces | Security forces advance on strategic Kamber bridge
Pk_Thunder
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War planes pound militants hideouts in Swat
Updated at: 2236 PST, Thursday, May 21, 2009
He was speaking to the pilots taking part in the operation in Swat.
Air chief stated that air force and army had been carrying out operation to restore state writ and to stamp out militants from the scenic valley.
Suleman added that Pak air force was destroying the suspected militants positions in the areas where it was difficult for army to reach.
PAFAce
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Great video, blain2. Do you know what aircraft that is? or is it something different?
muse
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Injured soldiers recall stiff resistance
* Troops recovering at Rawalpindi CMH say Taliban often out-flank military
* Say well-equipped Taliban have mortars, rockets, sniper rifles, all types of sophisticated weaponry
RAWALPINDI: They used to attack early in the morning or after dark. They would always go for an ambush, said Lieutenant Zaigham, injured in a battle with the Taliban and lying in a hospital.
Zaigham sustained shrapnel wounds from fierce street fighting in the Swat valley and is a patient at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Rawalpindi, away from the combat zone.
Out-flank: He and fellow soldiers spoke of intense battles against the heavily-armed Taliban, who put up stiff resistance and are often able to outflank the well-equipped and motivated soldiers.
From May 4 to May 17, when Zaigham was injured, his unit advanced slowly from Swat districts Khwazakhela tehsil to Matta, which has long been under Taliban control.
There was strong resistance during the entire journey but we managed to clear the area. They buried mines and planted improvised explosive devices every 50 metres, he said. There were checkpoints, bases and training centres in the mountains. We were clearing and destroying all this.
Equipment: They positioned snipers in holes made out of the walls of houses. They used civilians as human shields. They used to attack from houses and roofs. They are well equipped, they have mortars. They have rockets, sniper rifles and every type of sophisticated weapons, Zaigham said.
I am certain that foreign elements are behind these militants. Can I ask something very simple who are their sponsors? What are their sources of funding? Who runs their logistics? he said.
Residents trapped by the fighting in Swat also say the Taliban had dug trenches and were well armed. United States-based Human Rights Watch has accused the Taliban of using human shields by preventing civilians from leaving.
Zaigham was injured when a rocket shell exploded in Matta and shards of shrapnel sliced into his shoulder and leg.
Some of my colleagues embraced martyrdom in this fight and some were injured, but we forced the militants to retreat, he said.
Soldier Haseeb Ahsan, 26, was among those flown into Peochar in northern Swat last week in a bid to wrest back control of a Taliban bastion and alleged stronghold of Swat Taliban commander Fazlullah.
The airborne troops said they came under heavy fire.
We landed in the jungle. Militants ambushed our group. I received two bullets in my right thigh, but I kept on firing he said.
My wish was to die for my country. I will definitely go back and hit them hard, he said.
One of the younger soldiers, Muhammad Asif, 18, said he was injured last week in Mingora.
It was midnight. I was standing in front of my trench, when I was shot. They always attack secretly, he said.
When I was hit, I returned fire and they ran away. I want to go back, I wish I could become a martyr for my country Asif said. afp
* Troops recovering at Rawalpindi CMH say Taliban often out-flank military
* Say well-equipped Taliban have mortars, rockets, sniper rifles, all types of sophisticated weaponry
RAWALPINDI: They used to attack early in the morning or after dark. They would always go for an ambush, said Lieutenant Zaigham, injured in a battle with the Taliban and lying in a hospital.
Zaigham sustained shrapnel wounds from fierce street fighting in the Swat valley and is a patient at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Rawalpindi, away from the combat zone.
Out-flank: He and fellow soldiers spoke of intense battles against the heavily-armed Taliban, who put up stiff resistance and are often able to outflank the well-equipped and motivated soldiers.
From May 4 to May 17, when Zaigham was injured, his unit advanced slowly from Swat districts Khwazakhela tehsil to Matta, which has long been under Taliban control.
There was strong resistance during the entire journey but we managed to clear the area. They buried mines and planted improvised explosive devices every 50 metres, he said. There were checkpoints, bases and training centres in the mountains. We were clearing and destroying all this.
Equipment: They positioned snipers in holes made out of the walls of houses. They used civilians as human shields. They used to attack from houses and roofs. They are well equipped, they have mortars. They have rockets, sniper rifles and every type of sophisticated weapons, Zaigham said.
I am certain that foreign elements are behind these militants. Can I ask something very simple who are their sponsors? What are their sources of funding? Who runs their logistics? he said.
Residents trapped by the fighting in Swat also say the Taliban had dug trenches and were well armed. United States-based Human Rights Watch has accused the Taliban of using human shields by preventing civilians from leaving.
Zaigham was injured when a rocket shell exploded in Matta and shards of shrapnel sliced into his shoulder and leg.
Some of my colleagues embraced martyrdom in this fight and some were injured, but we forced the militants to retreat, he said.
Soldier Haseeb Ahsan, 26, was among those flown into Peochar in northern Swat last week in a bid to wrest back control of a Taliban bastion and alleged stronghold of Swat Taliban commander Fazlullah.
The airborne troops said they came under heavy fire.
We landed in the jungle. Militants ambushed our group. I received two bullets in my right thigh, but I kept on firing he said.
My wish was to die for my country. I will definitely go back and hit them hard, he said.
One of the younger soldiers, Muhammad Asif, 18, said he was injured last week in Mingora.
It was midnight. I was standing in front of my trench, when I was shot. They always attack secretly, he said.
When I was hit, I returned fire and they ran away. I want to go back, I wish I could become a martyr for my country Asif said. afp
I believe that is either the ATLIS or DART (I know both are in use).
fatman17
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no one said its going to be a cake-walk - the army is fighting in their environment - these are brave young men fighting for our country!
God Bless them and speedy recovery!
Very good interview with Marvi Memon (Member of Pakistan Parliament) on C-Span. Some interesting points. Good to hear the opposition from Pakistan supporting the government action and representing Pakistan outside of the country really well.
C-SPAN Video Player - Marvi Memon, Pakistan Muslim League, Member
C-SPAN Video Player - Marvi Memon, Pakistan Muslim League, Member
ajpirzada
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Kayani visits Daggar
Friday, May 22, 2009
Kalam villagers take on Taliban
By Delawar Jan
PESHAWAR: Two militants and as many villagers were killed in a clash between Taliban fighters and residents in the Kalam Valley of Swat while the military claimed killing ìa number of terrorists, including a commanderî during the last 24 hours.
Security forces conceded to have suffered five casualties and injuries to another seven soldiers, including an officer, as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited Daggar in the neighbouring Buner district to see the ground situation. Security forces have retaken this town, also the district headquarters, during the current operation.
The Army chief met the commanders and troops taking part in the operation and reviewed progress made in military foray into Buner. He appreciated the morale exhibited by the troops in the fight against militancy. The field commanders briefed the COAS on the achievements and progress of the operation.
In Swat, security forces continued operation against the Maulana Fazlullah-led militants in Peuchar, Kanju, Takhtaband, Barikot and Odigram.
On Thursday, according to a press release of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces cleared a number of hideouts in Peuchar that were being used by the militants. It said the troops were engaged in a search-and-destroy operation. A few militants were killed and three soldiers were injured during clashes in the area. Gunfire was still taking place between the troops and militants. Security forces have secured the area up to Shahid Khapa.
It was claimed that a commander of the Taliban, identified as Abu Tariq, was killed but no detail was available as to where he was gunned down. Not much is known about Abu Tariq, though Taliban sources said their spokesman Muslim Khan was sometimes referred to by this name. The Taliban sources insisted that Muslim Khan was alive. Seven suspected militants were also arrested on Thursday.
Fierce fighting took place in Kanju and Takhtaband in which, the ISPR said, a number of militants were killed while five soldiers were also killed and four others were injured. Security forces were strengthening their positions around Takhtaband Bridge in Barikot, Gokdara and Odigram areas of the valley. Stronghold of militants in Banai Baba Ziarat, the highest point in the area, was attacked on Wednesday and the area was fully secured.
Street battles between the forces and militants were reported in Matta during last two days. The military claims about militantsí casualties could not be verified from independent sources due to suspension of all communication networks, migration by local journalists and curfew for the last two weeks.
Moreover, there were reports of clashes between the militants and villagers in Kalam, a beautiful valley north of the Mingora city. Sketchy information gave conflicting accounts about the start of clashes.
It was learnt that the militants, stated to be fleeing the military onslaught in central Swat, entered the area and asked the people of Kalam to give them weapons. The residents refused to do so which led to clashes between the villagers and militants, in which two militants and as many villagers were killed.
Some uncorroborated reports said the death toll was high. Reports pouring in from the area suggested that several Taliban have been injured. Earlier, the residents, it was learnt, had captured some eight to 10 militants for entering their area, which triggered tension. It merits a mention that the people of Kalam had resisted Taliban in late 2007, when they attempted to control the valley.
Situation was stated to be still tense in Kalam as both sides had taken positions. However, security forces were yet to reach to help the people of Kalam.A family, which managed to move out from Swat, said that eight persons were killed and 13 others injured when mortar shells landed on three houses in Shagai area of Mingora on Wednesday night. Two of the dead were identified as Abdul Satar and Usman. Four persons were kidnapped from Fatehpur area of Khwazakhela.
SANA adds: With security forces making big gains on the ground and seizing control of more strongholds, the TTP Swat is reaching out for Uzbek and Tajik militants, operating from North and South Waziristan, for help.
ìWe have traced conversation between the Taliban commanders in which the commander of the Swat Taliban is appealing to his counterpart in Waziristan to send Uzbek and Tajik fighters as Army is rapidly gaining ground in traditional strongholds of the Taliban in Swat,î a senior intelligence official told IslamOnline, wishing not to be named.
The intelligence official claimed the help appeal was made by Ibne Aqeel, the operational commander of the Swat Taliban.ì(In conversation), Ibne Aqeel admitted that the militants have conceded severe losses at the hands of security forces and have gone on a defensive position,î he said.
ìOur experts are engaged in decoding the rest part of the conversation,î he said, pointing out that it was in Pashto language and in code words. The intelligence official did not elaborate on whether the foreign fighters had agreed to join the fighting in Swat.
ìWe cannot say with authority at the moment that if these foreign militants will join the Taliban fighting in Swat, but we are fully prepared,î he said, adding ìAdditional troops have been sent to the bordering areas of South and North Waziristan to tackle the foreign militants if they try to move towards Swat.î
Kayani visits Daggar
Friday, May 22, 2009
Kalam villagers take on Taliban
By Delawar Jan
PESHAWAR: Two militants and as many villagers were killed in a clash between Taliban fighters and residents in the Kalam Valley of Swat while the military claimed killing ìa number of terrorists, including a commanderî during the last 24 hours.
Security forces conceded to have suffered five casualties and injuries to another seven soldiers, including an officer, as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited Daggar in the neighbouring Buner district to see the ground situation. Security forces have retaken this town, also the district headquarters, during the current operation.
The Army chief met the commanders and troops taking part in the operation and reviewed progress made in military foray into Buner. He appreciated the morale exhibited by the troops in the fight against militancy. The field commanders briefed the COAS on the achievements and progress of the operation.
In Swat, security forces continued operation against the Maulana Fazlullah-led militants in Peuchar, Kanju, Takhtaband, Barikot and Odigram.
On Thursday, according to a press release of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces cleared a number of hideouts in Peuchar that were being used by the militants. It said the troops were engaged in a search-and-destroy operation. A few militants were killed and three soldiers were injured during clashes in the area. Gunfire was still taking place between the troops and militants. Security forces have secured the area up to Shahid Khapa.
It was claimed that a commander of the Taliban, identified as Abu Tariq, was killed but no detail was available as to where he was gunned down. Not much is known about Abu Tariq, though Taliban sources said their spokesman Muslim Khan was sometimes referred to by this name. The Taliban sources insisted that Muslim Khan was alive. Seven suspected militants were also arrested on Thursday.
Fierce fighting took place in Kanju and Takhtaband in which, the ISPR said, a number of militants were killed while five soldiers were also killed and four others were injured. Security forces were strengthening their positions around Takhtaband Bridge in Barikot, Gokdara and Odigram areas of the valley. Stronghold of militants in Banai Baba Ziarat, the highest point in the area, was attacked on Wednesday and the area was fully secured.
Street battles between the forces and militants were reported in Matta during last two days. The military claims about militantsí casualties could not be verified from independent sources due to suspension of all communication networks, migration by local journalists and curfew for the last two weeks.
Moreover, there were reports of clashes between the militants and villagers in Kalam, a beautiful valley north of the Mingora city. Sketchy information gave conflicting accounts about the start of clashes.
It was learnt that the militants, stated to be fleeing the military onslaught in central Swat, entered the area and asked the people of Kalam to give them weapons. The residents refused to do so which led to clashes between the villagers and militants, in which two militants and as many villagers were killed.
Some uncorroborated reports said the death toll was high. Reports pouring in from the area suggested that several Taliban have been injured. Earlier, the residents, it was learnt, had captured some eight to 10 militants for entering their area, which triggered tension. It merits a mention that the people of Kalam had resisted Taliban in late 2007, when they attempted to control the valley.
Situation was stated to be still tense in Kalam as both sides had taken positions. However, security forces were yet to reach to help the people of Kalam.A family, which managed to move out from Swat, said that eight persons were killed and 13 others injured when mortar shells landed on three houses in Shagai area of Mingora on Wednesday night. Two of the dead were identified as Abdul Satar and Usman. Four persons were kidnapped from Fatehpur area of Khwazakhela.
SANA adds: With security forces making big gains on the ground and seizing control of more strongholds, the TTP Swat is reaching out for Uzbek and Tajik militants, operating from North and South Waziristan, for help.
ìWe have traced conversation between the Taliban commanders in which the commander of the Swat Taliban is appealing to his counterpart in Waziristan to send Uzbek and Tajik fighters as Army is rapidly gaining ground in traditional strongholds of the Taliban in Swat,î a senior intelligence official told IslamOnline, wishing not to be named.
The intelligence official claimed the help appeal was made by Ibne Aqeel, the operational commander of the Swat Taliban.ì(In conversation), Ibne Aqeel admitted that the militants have conceded severe losses at the hands of security forces and have gone on a defensive position,î he said.
ìOur experts are engaged in decoding the rest part of the conversation,î he said, pointing out that it was in Pashto language and in code words. The intelligence official did not elaborate on whether the foreign fighters had agreed to join the fighting in Swat.
ìWe cannot say with authority at the moment that if these foreign militants will join the Taliban fighting in Swat, but we are fully prepared,î he said, adding ìAdditional troops have been sent to the bordering areas of South and North Waziristan to tackle the foreign militants if they try to move towards Swat.î
Kayani visits Daggar
Owais
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UN seeks $543 million for Pakistan war refugees
ISLAMABAD ( 2009-05-22 11:14:00 ) :The United Nations appealed on Friday for $543 million to ease the 'incredible suffering' of nearly 2 million refugees from Pakistan's war against militants.
The world body said the money was urgently needed to fund some 165 projects drawn up by UN agencies and aid groups to assist civilians fleeing the conflict centered on the northwestern Swat Valley.
"The scale of this displacement is extraordinary in terms of size and speed and has caused incredible suffering," Martin Mogwanja, the acting UN humanitarian coordinator in Pakistan, said in a statement.
"We are calling for generous support from the international community," he said.
An estimated 1.9 million people have fled the fighting in Swat and two neighbouring districts since the army launched an offensive last month to halt a Taliban advance toward the capital, Islamabad. More than 160,000 are staying in sweltering camps just south of the battle zone; the rest have been taken in by relatives.
The government said on Thursday that foreign donors had already pledged $224 million to help the displaced. Pakistan, which is heavily dependent on foreign aid, has pledged $100 million of its own. It was unclear if those funds would count toward the total sought by the U.N.
AAJ TV : Pakistan Ki Awaz
ISLAMABAD ( 2009-05-22 11:14:00 ) :The United Nations appealed on Friday for $543 million to ease the 'incredible suffering' of nearly 2 million refugees from Pakistan's war against militants.
The world body said the money was urgently needed to fund some 165 projects drawn up by UN agencies and aid groups to assist civilians fleeing the conflict centered on the northwestern Swat Valley.
"The scale of this displacement is extraordinary in terms of size and speed and has caused incredible suffering," Martin Mogwanja, the acting UN humanitarian coordinator in Pakistan, said in a statement.
"We are calling for generous support from the international community," he said.
An estimated 1.9 million people have fled the fighting in Swat and two neighbouring districts since the army launched an offensive last month to halt a Taliban advance toward the capital, Islamabad. More than 160,000 are staying in sweltering camps just south of the battle zone; the rest have been taken in by relatives.
The government said on Thursday that foreign donors had already pledged $224 million to help the displaced. Pakistan, which is heavily dependent on foreign aid, has pledged $100 million of its own. It was unclear if those funds would count toward the total sought by the U.N.
AAJ TV : Pakistan Ki Awaz
ajpirzada
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Troops encircle Swat, cut off Taliban escape routes
Friday, 22 May, 2009 | 02:03 PM PST |
KHWAZAKHELA: Troops are encircling Taliban militants in their mountain base as well as the main town in the Swat Valley, a Pakistani general said on Friday.
With scepticism growing about the progress of the month-old army offensive in the north-western region, the army flew a handful of reporters from foreign news organisations into Swat on Friday.
An Associated Press reporter aboard the helicopter saw no cars and few people in the town of Mingora or on roads further up the valley.
From the air, there was little evidence of the fierce fighting and air strikes that the military claims have already killed more than 1,000 militants as well as some 60 soldiers.
But a senior commander insisted the army was trapping militants in Mingora and Peochar, a side-valley further north that is the stronghold of Swat Taliban leader Maulana Fazlullah.
‘The noose is tightening around them. Their routes of escape have been cut off,’ Maj. Gen. Sajad Ghani said.
‘It’s just a question of time before (Taliban leaders) are eliminated.’
DAWN.COM | Provinces | Troops encircle Swat, cut off Taliban escape routes
Friday, 22 May, 2009 | 02:03 PM PST |
KHWAZAKHELA: Troops are encircling Taliban militants in their mountain base as well as the main town in the Swat Valley, a Pakistani general said on Friday.
With scepticism growing about the progress of the month-old army offensive in the north-western region, the army flew a handful of reporters from foreign news organisations into Swat on Friday.
An Associated Press reporter aboard the helicopter saw no cars and few people in the town of Mingora or on roads further up the valley.
From the air, there was little evidence of the fierce fighting and air strikes that the military claims have already killed more than 1,000 militants as well as some 60 soldiers.
But a senior commander insisted the army was trapping militants in Mingora and Peochar, a side-valley further north that is the stronghold of Swat Taliban leader Maulana Fazlullah.
‘The noose is tightening around them. Their routes of escape have been cut off,’ Maj. Gen. Sajad Ghani said.
‘It’s just a question of time before (Taliban leaders) are eliminated.’
DAWN.COM | Provinces | Troops encircle Swat, cut off Taliban escape routes
Jihad
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May we finally get ridd of these sons of a bitches.
I think of our soldiers everyday in this operation.
They didn't have to die in their own country like this, our government and people acted way too late and realized the existing threat way too late, now our soldiers and the displaced people in SWAT and other districts are paying the price for it.
Seriously, I couldn't be more proud of our soldiers, they'd make excellent leaders some day, better then our current batch.
Courage, pride, selfrespect and love for your country and people, that is what these men and women have serving our national interests and fightning off these Taliban cowards.
Our top political brass misses these elements unfortunately, Pakistan would be so much stronger and prosper so much more if we only had certain people in charge with those beautiful ideals in mind for every single Pakistani.
I think of our soldiers everyday in this operation.
They didn't have to die in their own country like this, our government and people acted way too late and realized the existing threat way too late, now our soldiers and the displaced people in SWAT and other districts are paying the price for it.
Seriously, I couldn't be more proud of our soldiers, they'd make excellent leaders some day, better then our current batch.
Courage, pride, selfrespect and love for your country and people, that is what these men and women have serving our national interests and fightning off these Taliban cowards.
Our top political brass misses these elements unfortunately, Pakistan would be so much stronger and prosper so much more if we only had certain people in charge with those beautiful ideals in mind for every single Pakistani.
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Bajwa calls Bushra's allegations against Saudi Arabia 'baseless'
- Latest: Novus ordu seclorum
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