Indian arms seized from SWA
ISLAMABAD: The security forces have found substantial evidence of Indian involvement in South Waziristan, Director General ISPR Major General Athar Abass said.
“Indian literature and weapons under the use of terrorists have been recovered from South Waziristan and more evidence is being gathered,” he said addressing a joint media briefing with Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira on Operation Rah e Nijat here Monday. “We have sent all the proofs of Indian involvement to the Foreign Office for their onward presentation at the appropriate forum,” he said.
On the army operation, Abbas said the troops had taken full control of Kanigurram, one of the biggest towns in South Waziristan and formerly a key Taliban operational centre. "Kanigurram area has been completely cleared of terrorists."
"After house to house search, the complete area has been cleared of mines and IEDs (improvised explosive devices). We have recovered five truck-loads of ammunition, arms and explosives," he added.
Kanigurram is one of the biggest towns where Pakistani ground and air forces have concentrated their operations in the forbidding mountains on the Afghan border. US officials say Al-Qaeda is using the area to plot attacks on the West.
None of the details can be verified because communication lines are down and journalists and aid workers are barred from the area.
An ISPR statement said security forces are extending their perimeter of security and closing in towards Sararogha. Expansion of positions held on the ridges from different directions towards Sararogha is in progress.
Sporadic Mortar and Small Arms fire is being received by security forces from different areas of the town. During exchange of fire with terrorists 4 terrorists have been killed while 6 soldiers got injured. Security forces conducted search operation in areas Shin Sar and Guru Sar and recovered 1000 rounds of SMG.
Security forces secured point 7121 and Mangora Sar. During engagements 8 terrorists have been killed. Security forces are consolidating their positions on the ridges along road Razmak - Makeen. The important village of China just adjacent to Makeen has been secured.
Huge cache of arms and ammunition have been recovered from different huts, caves and compounds. Security forces neutralized 20 IEDs during clearance of China.
Security forces also secured Kam Narakai located 2 kilometers west of China village and recovered huge cache of ammunition.
Since the commencement of Operation Rah-e-Nijat on 17 October 2009 to date, following weapons, ammunition and equipment has been recovered from different areas along all three axes.
Meanwhile In last 24 hours, 22 suspects have been apprehended from different areas of Swat and 2 terrorists have voluntarily surrendered. During search operation at Piochar, a tunnel has been discovered with 20 APM mines, 2 Kilograms explosive, 4 bottles of liquid chemicals, 250 grams gun powder, 2 directional mines and 1 x detonator box. -Agencies
