All set for military operation in South Waziristan Agency (SWA)

[sonicboom]

Sunday, October 04, 2009

By Muhammad Anis

ISLAMABAD: Security forces have finalised preparations to launch a major ground military operation in the South Waziristan Agency (SWA), the stronghold of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), official sources told The News on Saturday.

“The decision to launch the offensive soon is final. There will be no talks with terrorists whatsoever,” the sources said, adding the ground forces would be assisted by air force to eliminate the terrorists and all routes had been blocked to prevent their escape. The sources said the ground offensive would be a major part of the military operation.

Official sources said all those who were pursuing themes of an agreement with the terrorists are against the government policy and also misleading the masses. “Some political groups in Pakistan, who are also getting financial and political support from the SWA, are pursuing this theme of agreement,” an official said.

He maintained that the Pakistani forces, as they did in Malakand, were capable of launching and accomplishing the operation in the SWA, saying there was no question of involving the US forces in the offensive or giving any prior information to them.

The official said the paramilitary forces would also take part in the ground offensive.

The official sources said after the killing of the top TTP leadership, including Baitullah Mehsud, Hakimullah Mehsud and Kaleemullah Mehsud, the organisation was in disarray, frustrated and desperate.

In a recent meeting in Mirali, they had pledged to avenge the killing of Baitullah Mehsud by carrying out suicide attacks throughout the country. “They may also kidnap citizens like mass kidnapping of schoolchildren,” the sources said while referring to the report. The official maintained that the recent suicide attacks in Bannu and Peshawar Cantt have been carried out by the Baitullah Mehsud group of the TTP in the SWA.

“Qari Hussain, who is running a suicide training camp in Kotkai, SWA, has already claimed responsibility for the suicide attacks and the persons arrested in connection with the Peshawar blast have revealed that the Baitullah group is behind the Peshawar blast,” an official said.

The official sources said the Baitullah Mehsud group has almost 4,000 to 5,000 hardcore terrorists and the estimated number of foreigners with this group is around 1,000 to 1,500 in SWA.

“The main resistance in these areas is made by Uzbeks who are well-equipped and armed and have made local people hostage. These foreigners have direct connections to al-Qaeda and have attended training camps abroad.”

The source said the South Waziristan Agency was the main source of terrorist activities throughout the country and there was solid evidence that the TTP was receiving arms and financial support from across the border.

“Former CIA station commander Milt Bearden in a Senate Committee hearing on Thursday had said that Pakistan’s concerns that Afghanistan was being made garrison of India were legitimate,” the source said.

They said the terrorists from the SWA were also supporting terrorists’ operations in Khyber, Bajaur, Orakzai and Mohmand Agencies.

He said Razmak, Siplatoi Fort, Jandola Fort, Tanai Fort, Tiarza Fort, Gomal Zam and Saidullah check-posts had been the main targets of rockets fired by the Taliban. These rockets were fired from Makeen, which is the hub of the Baitullah group.

The official said the operation had become vital as South and North Waziristan agencies have become a hub of terrorism.

“During the last one year, as many as 252 bomb blasts have been carried out throughout the country, including 48 suicide attacks in which 677 civilians and security forces personnel were martyred,” he said.

The official told The News that the TTP also targeted people and elders belonging to the Wazir tribe. “So far, 28 Maliks have been killed by the terrorists,” he said.

They mainly include Malik Mirza Alam Wazir, Malik Abdul Rehman, Malik Ahmad Din Wazir, Malik Khandan, Malik Qismat Khan Wazir, Malik Saidullah Wazir, Malik Ghulam Muhammad Mahsud and Malik Noor Akbar.

He said the Quetta Shura of the Taliban did not exist in the Balochistan capital.

“The United States has been offered to send its officials to Quetta to identify places where members of the Taliban Shura could be and Pakistani forces themselves would conduct operation there.”

He said the US had been told that an attack on Quetta, if carried out, could be counter productive and it would result in Talibanisation there.

“The US will open up a new front for them if any attack is launched on Quetta,” he said.

The official maintained that there was also no truth in claims regarding the presence of Osama bin Laden and Mulla Omar in Pakistan.


All set for military operation in SWA

 

[Salahadin]

Sunday, October 04, 2009

By Muhammad Anis

ISLAMABAD: Security forces have finalised preparations to launch a major ground military operation in the South Waziristan Agency (SWA), the stronghold of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), official sources told The News on Saturday.

“The decision to launch the offensive soon is final. There will be no talks with terrorists whatsoever,” the sources said, adding the ground forces would be assisted by air force to eliminate the terrorists and all routes had been blocked to prevent their escape. The sources said the ground offensive would be a major part of the military operation.

Official sources said all those who were pursuing themes of an agreement with the terrorists are against the government policy and also misleading the masses. “Some political groups in Pakistan, who are also getting financial and political support from the SWA, are pursuing this theme of agreement,” an official said.

He maintained that the Pakistani forces, as they did in Malakand, were capable of launching and accomplishing the operation in the SWA, saying there was no question of involving the US forces in the offensive or giving any prior information to them.

The official said the paramilitary forces would also take part in the ground offensive.

The official sources said after the killing of the top TTP leadership, including Baitullah Mehsud, Hakimullah Mehsud and Kaleemullah Mehsud, the organisation was in disarray, frustrated and desperate.

In a recent meeting in Mirali, they had pledged to avenge the killing of Baitullah Mehsud by carrying out suicide attacks throughout the country. “They may also kidnap citizens like mass kidnapping of schoolchildren,” the sources said while referring to the report. The official maintained that the recent suicide attacks in Bannu and Peshawar Cantt have been carried out by the Baitullah Mehsud group of the TTP in the SWA.

“Qari Hussain, who is running a suicide training camp in Kotkai, SWA, has already claimed responsibility for the suicide attacks and the persons arrested in connection with the Peshawar blast have revealed that the Baitullah group is behind the Peshawar blast,” an official said.

The official sources said the Baitullah Mehsud group has almost 4,000 to 5,000 hardcore terrorists and the estimated number of foreigners with this group is around 1,000 to 1,500 in SWA.

“The main resistance in these areas is made by Uzbeks who are well-equipped and armed and have made local people hostage. These foreigners have direct connections to al-Qaeda and have attended training camps abroad.”

The source said the South Waziristan Agency was the main source of terrorist activities throughout the country and there was solid evidence that the TTP was receiving arms and financial support from across the border.

“Former CIA station commander Milt Bearden in a Senate Committee hearing on Thursday had said that Pakistan’s concerns that Afghanistan was being made garrison of India were legitimate,” the source said.

They said the terrorists from the SWA were also supporting terrorists’ operations in Khyber, Bajaur, Orakzai and Mohmand Agencies.

He said Razmak, Siplatoi Fort, Jandola Fort, Tanai Fort, Tiarza Fort, Gomal Zam and Saidullah check-posts had been the main targets of rockets fired by the Taliban. These rockets were fired from Makeen, which is the hub of the Baitullah group.

The official said the operation had become vital as South and North Waziristan agencies have become a hub of terrorism.

“During the last one year, as many as 252 bomb blasts have been carried out throughout the country, including 48 suicide attacks in which 677 civilians and security forces personnel were martyred,” he said.

The official told The News that the TTP also targeted people and elders belonging to the Wazir tribe. “So far, 28 Maliks have been killed by the terrorists,” he said.

They mainly include Malik Mirza Alam Wazir, Malik Abdul Rehman, Malik Ahmad Din Wazir, Malik Khandan, Malik Qismat Khan Wazir, Malik Saidullah Wazir, Malik Ghulam Muhammad Mahsud and Malik Noor Akbar.

He said the Quetta Shura of the Taliban did not exist in the Balochistan capital.

“The United States has been offered to send its officials to Quetta to identify places where members of the Taliban Shura could be and Pakistani forces themselves would conduct operation there.”

He said the US had been told that an attack on Quetta, if carried out, could be counter productive and it would result in Talibanisation there.

“The US will open up a new front for them if any attack is launched on Quetta,” he said.

The official maintained that there was also no truth in claims regarding the presence of Osama bin Laden and Mulla Omar in Pakistan.


All set for military operation in SWA

DO we have all the resources that we needed for this extensive operation

 

[moha199]

^^^ I personaly believe thar we do have all the resorces to conduct this operation with success since we have been preparing ourself for a good amount of time, We have done a lot of weapon induction so our supplies will be enough for this operation

 

[DaRk WaVe]

Lets Rock & Roll & remove this Taliban Curse Once & for All

 

[waraich66]

1.More then 2 million people will be displaced .Is GOP prepared camps for them?
2.This will be long term gurrilla war not like swat, are we ready for 10 years or more gurrilla war?
3.We need 50 Bill USD for next five years for this war , who will provide this money? (Mr Zardari is demanding 100 Bill USD? , I think he is right +/- 10%)
4. What will be economical impact on other part of Pakistan due to this war? How we coup with this impact?

No body can give answer to these questions , then how can we say we are ready for war which is not our war?

US wanted to make Pakistan another Gaza? Allah may save us from US fitna and fasad.

One month operation cost is 1 bill USD Approx (+/- 10%).Miltery Professional can give more accurate figure.Kargil war cost us arround 1 Bill USD in one month.

 

[Janbaz]

Break the hand whcih is raised in the air. Although this will be "The mother of all battles", it HAS to happen

For the sake of Islam, which has been held hostage, for the sake of our future generations, for the sake of Jinnah's dream.....And for the sake of Pakistan

May victory be upon us and may Allah defend our men.

Amen and go get some Talibs PA................

 

[BATMAN]

Is US willing to block the escape routes of this indian army in disguise?
I hope Afghan National Army has setup modern hospitals on the other side of the border to treat the wonded TTP!

 

[blain2]

This is the height of arrogance and selfishness. While I appreciate US assistance, however the following statement is not only insensitive, it is also something that would never be stated if it applied to US troops. I'd love to see them go into action lacking rudimentary equipment such as armoured vehicles and NGD/Gs.

"But the lack of that equipment does not mean they cannot conduct successful military operations. It might mean that it would be a little more difficult, that the logistics would be a little trickier. But it doesn't mean they can't pull the trigger if they want," said one of the defense officials.

Don't know who this "defence official" is, but sounds like a pencil pusher/bean counter at Centcom/Pentagon who would rather see the Paks take losses going into a fight without appropriate equipment than be a bit more sensitive and try to help our effort on the ground.


Pakistan has forces, equipment for Taliban assault: U.S.
Reuters


By Adam Entous Adam Entous – Sun Oct 4, 4:43 pm ET

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Pakistan has mobilized enough forces and equipment to launch a long awaited ground offensive against Taliban militants in their South Waziristan stronghold near the Afghan border, U.S. defense officials said on Sunday.

Washington sees a concerted push by Pakistan to eliminate Taliban and al Qaeda "sanctuaries" in its territory as the key to turning around a faltering U.S.-led war in Afghanistan.

Pakistan has cited shortages of helicopters, armored vehicles and precision weapons in putting off a Waziristan assault, but U.S. officials said they believed the army was sufficiently equipped to act.

"We would assess that they have plenty of force to do the job right now," said one of the officials, who has been closely monitoring Pakistani preparations for the offensive.

The U.S. officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of discussing Pakistani military planning.

Pakistan has amassed troops around Waziristan, imposing a blockade to try to choke off Taliban supplies. Before an anticipated ground assault, the army has increased artillery fire and the CIA has stepped up attacks using drone aircraft armed with missiles.

Pakistani military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said two divisions, of up to 28,000 soldiers, were in place, enough to take on an estimated 10,000 Taliban.

While declining to discuss force levels, a U.S. defense official described the Waziristan deployment as "significant" and said he did not expect any additional reinforcements.

"You might see some troops moving but they would probably be rotating. I think they're going to maintain about the same strength that they have there now," the official said.

Washington believes the Pakistanis will have to "clear and hold" the rugged, mountainous territory to crush militants loyal to the late Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud.

Baitullah was killed in a U.S. missile strike in August. U.S. intelligence agencies believe his successor, Hakimullah Mehsud, may have been killed soon thereafter in a firefight with rivals, leaving the Taliban in disarray.

Allied with al Qaeda, Mehsud's group has mostly been fighting against Pakistani forces but also sends militants to join the battle against U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

AL QAEDA SANCTUARY

Appearing on CNN, White House National Security Adviser James Jones pointed to al Qaeda "sanctuaries" in Pakistan as "the problem, the next step" in the fight against the group.

Washington hopes expanding U.S.-Pakistani military ties "will lead to a campaign against all insurgents on that side of the border," Jones told CBS's "Face the Nation." He said such a "strategic shift ... will spill over into Afghanistan."

Analysts say Islamabad has so far only been acting against militants that directly threaten its power, like Mehsud's Taliban, while leaving alone some of the groups leading the fight against NATO in neighboring Afghanistan.

U.S. officials see the Pakistani army's offensive against the former Taliban bastion in Swat, 80 miles northwest of Islamabad, as a sign that the country's political and military leaders have learned from past missteps.

"I think they're determined to not make the mistake of withdrawing (from Swat) before the government forces are able to come in and backfill, and do the hold and build functions of counter-insurgency," the official said.

U.S. officials acknowledged Pakistani troops need more armored vehicles and night-vision devises to protect themselves against improvised explosive devices, the most lethal weapon used by the Taliban against American forces in Afghanistan.

"But the lack of that equipment does not mean they cannot conduct successful military operations. It might mean that it would be a little more difficult, that the logistics would be a little trickier. But it doesn't mean they can't pull the trigger if they want," said one of the defense officials.

Another U.S. military official said an assault by ground forces in Waziristan "can still be effective" despite some shortages, adding that the Pentagon was trying to free up helicopters and other equipment for Pakistan "as soon as possible".

The Pentagon has sought permission from Congress to transfer used military hardware from Iraq to the Pakistani army but American lawmakers have so far balked at the request, citing concerns that Islamabad could use the equipment against India.

Washington is also securing some equipment through third governments but the effort is moving slowly, officials said.

(Editing by Anthony Boadle and Chris Wilson)

 

[AgNoStiC MuSliM]

^^ Agree on the above statement Blain. I thought the exact thing when I read it.

It might mean that it would be a little more difficult, that the logistics would be a little trickier.

... might lose more men - left that part out of course. Not American blood being spilled after all.

And whine and whine about their own soldiers not going in equipped like Starship troopers.

 

[blain2]

Although we are willing to make sacrifices, it would be nice to see the Americans realize that every time we lose someone, it is just as bad as them losing one of theirs. For some reason, our dead are just a number to them. "Oh you have lost 1500, what's the big deal losing another 1000 by sending them into FATA ill-equipped". Total crass!

 

[BATMAN]

^^ And Sir, not even our own political leaders care enough....
I feel that they make it more difficult for Pak army by influncing defence deals, cutting defence budgets and proposing to divert military aid to civil!

High on political agenda is not South Waziratan but to divide Pakistan in more provinces.

 

[muse]

How should one read the "reuters" piece? Blain and Agnostic have both pointed out insensitive statements attributed to a single DoD official - but what is the article about? Seems to me, it's about Timing, while equipment is the cited bone of contention, it's Timing that is at it's core -- I also found the following instructive:

The Pentagon has sought permission from Congress to transfer used military hardware from Iraq to the Pakistani army but American lawmakers have so far balked at the request, citing concerns that Islamabad could use the equipment against India.

Washington is also securing some equipment through third governments but the effort is moving slowly, officials said

How will this play out? If you will recall a earlier piece, it mentions that Pakistani officials are confident that equipment is in place in the "region" (see Waziristan threads on the Pakistan's war board)

So what gives?? An internal turf battle to my thinking - so what's my justification for this conclusion? In the US it is being argued by a section of the DoD that "politics" on the Hill will get in the way - what has been the history of such objections? You will note that regardless of Indian and "others" presentations, whether direct or indirect, the required equipment seems to have found it's way, Mr. Gilani's statement with regard to LGB is significant in this regard -- You will also note that yesterday, in a major operation in Kunar, the US and their Afghan satrap suffered a serious setback, suggesting that the Talib and their Al-Qaeeda masters will seek to put greater pressure in Afghanistan given the political bang it will get in the US - FOr the US armed forces this means it becomes imperative to deliver in Pakistan because Waziristan will go a very long way to US assist US efforts in the South, leaving the East (Kunar/Bajaur) as a Kill box to concentrate on.

 

[waraich66]

Pakistan has forces,equipment for Taliban assault - U.S. Buzz Up Share
Twitter Delicious Myspace Digg Stumble Upon Facebook Mon, Oct 5 08:37 AM
Enlarge Photo New recruits for the Afghan National Army train at the Kabul Military Training Centre September... Pakistan has mobilized enough forces and equipment to launch a long awaited ground offensive against Taliban militants in their South Waziristan stronghold near the Afghan border, U.S. defense officials said on Sunday.

Washington sees a concerted push by Pakistan to eliminate Taliban and al Qaeda "sanctuaries" in its territory as the key to turning around a faltering U.S.-led war in Afghanistan.

Pakistan has cited shortages of helicopters, armored vehicles and precision weapons in putting off a Waziristan assault, but U.S. officials said they believed the army was sufficiently equipped to act.

"We would assess that they have plenty of force to do the job right now," said one of the officials, who has been closely monitoring Pakistani preparations for the offensive.

The U.S. officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of discussing Pakistani military planning.

Pakistan has amassed troops around Waziristan, imposing a blockade to try to choke off Taliban supplies. Before an anticipated ground assault, the army has increased artillery fire and the CIA has stepped up attacks using drone aircraft armed with missiles.

Pakistani military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said two divisions, of up to 28,000 soldiers, were in place, enough to take on an estimated 10,000 Taliban.

While declining to discuss force levels, a U.S. defense official described the Waziristan deployment as "significant" and said he did not expect any additional reinforcements.

"You might see some troops moving but they would probably be rotating. I think they're going to maintain about the same strength that they have there now," the official said.

Washington believes the Pakistanis will have to "clear and hold" the rugged, mountainous territory to crush militants loyal to the late Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud.

Baitullah was killed in a U.S. missile strike in August. U.S. intelligence agencies believe his successor, Hakimullah Mehsud, may have been killed soon thereafter in a firefight with rivals, leaving the Taliban in disarray.

Allied with al Qaeda, Mehsud's group has mostly been fighting against Pakistani forces but also sends militants to join the battle against U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan.



AL QAEDA SANCTUARY

Appearing on CNN, White House National Security Adviser James Jones pointed to al Qaeda "sanctuaries" in Pakistan as "the problem, the next step" in the fight against the group.

Washington hopes expanding U.S.-Pakistani military ties "will lead to a campaign against all insurgents on that side of the border," Jones told CBS's "Face the Nation." He said such a "strategic shift ... will spill over into Afghanistan."

Analysts say Islamabad has so far only been acting against militants that directly threaten its power, like Mehsud's Taliban, while leaving alone some of the groups leading the fight against NATO in neighboring Afghanistan.

U.S. officials see the Pakistani army's offensive against the former Taliban bastion in Swat, 80 miles (128 km) northwest of Islamabad, as a sign that the country's political and military leaders have learned from past missteps.

"I think they're determined to not make the mistake of withdrawing (from Swat) before the government forces are able to come in and backfill, and do the hold and build functions of counter-insurgency," the official said.

U.S. officials acknowledged Pakistani troops need more armored vehicles and night-vision devises to protect themselves against improvised explosive devices, the most lethal weapon used by the Taliban against American forces in Afghanistan.

"But the lack of that equipment does not mean they cannot conduct successful military operations. It might mean that it would be a little more difficult, that the logistics would be a little trickier. But it doesn't mean they can't pull the trigger if they want," said one of the defense officials.
Another U.S. military official said an assault by ground forces in Waziristan "can still be effective" despite some shortages, adding that the Pentagon was trying to free up helicopters and other equipment for Pakistan "as soon as possible".

The Pentagon has sought permission from Congress to transfer used military hardware from Iraq to the Pakistani army but American lawmakers have so far balked at the request, citing concerns that Islamabad could use the equipment against India.
Washington is also securing some equipment through third governments but the effort is moving slowly, officials said.

 

[Patriot]

"But the lack of that equipment does not mean they cannot conduct successful military operations. It might mean that it would be a little more difficult, that the logistics would be a little trickier. But it doesn't mean they can't pull the trigger if they want," said one of the defense officials.

Yeah right..Sometimes i think We should support Afghan taliban so taht American Soldier's die like rats which they deserve.They treat our soldiers as cannon fodder.

 

[Zee-Gen]

That is right Sir,
That will be the only plus point in Pakistan's hand if PA will feel any threat to country from America.