RIP
Its now become customary for us to create a thread for new causalities, offer condolences, bash our enemies, discuss tactics and move on. Same is with our media, the ISPR. There is something, some root, some major flaw in our policy, due to which we are not able to control this menace.
First compare our's causalities v/s NATO/US in Afghanistan, where even Taliban controls more then 40 percent territory. We may get some solution to get our causality figures down.
@ In my humble opinion, there should be standard issue of MRAPs, standard body armor for all troops going in for a IBO/patrol in sensitive areas.
@ We cant provide MRAPs for all 2 divisions operating in Waziristan, add more for Balochistan. So MRAPs should be provided in sufficient numbers, where the area is sensitive. It would decrease causality rates, as if you look at stats, with each IBO, we take 2,3 causalities. That is unacceptable. That means, even in planned IBO (where we have got the element of surprise with us), we are getting fatalities.
@ Before any IBO, there should be lead in elements of specially trained operatives in plain cloths. What they could do is keep an eye on surrounding homes, heights or positions, where enemy take positions as soon as it see army vehicles entering. Major Ishaq death last month was an example, where his team got ambushed. Aerial surveillance could be handy, while going in build up areas.
The above points were more of tactical solutions. Now come to some strategic thoughts.
@ There is a sharp increase in terror incidents after the take over of General Bajwa. In Balochistan, after the change of Corps commander, incidents have increased. Now, its not my job to evaluate the persons on important posts. Have there been change in strategy? Are the terror groups reorganized? Have they got fresh aid from brownies? Is there a lapse in counter intelligence? It needs to be sorted out ASAP. If there is a need to change some heads, please do it.
@ There were many militants, rehabilitated in Waziristan under an Army run program. Same happened with hundreds of Farraris laying down arms in Balochistan. I would like to ask, what checks we have on them? Are we keeping an eye on their activities post pardoning them? Or we are getting gullible again like dozens of times in our 70 year old history
@ If you look carefully, when population fled Waziristan after start of Zrb e Azb, majority went to Karachi. We saw an increase of violence there. Now IDPs are back home and incidents of target shoot outs increasing in Waziristan. That means, we are foolish to believe that all terrorists were either killed or fled across border into Afghanistan. They are part of population and mixed up with IDPs. Now they are back home, they have their weapons hidden around them, just look for an opportunity, take a snipe at patrolling squad, kill 1, flee the scene, hide your weapon and you are an innocent tribal once again. Please do a screening again, get the culprits to task not pardon them.
@ Civilian government is delaying the process of FATA reforms. Get it done through pressure as soon as possible. That would allow deployment of police and civil setup. That would allow civil intelligence take a grip on neighborhood and nab the culprits.
My thoughts.