Operation Rah-e-Nijat (South Waziristan)

[fatman17]

The first step to all of this is the army’s operation to weed Terry out, and that will take time to do properly. Therefore, I think we should get used to the army being in South Waziristan for a long time yet.

no problem! its all in the future planning - cantonments, FOBs. upgrade the existing forts structure - upgrade the lines of comm/logs.

 

[Barrett]

Iam especially iterested to know about the performance of Cobra copters in CI ops in Waziristan. Are the numbers too small to make a difference ? Soviet Hinds were very successful in Afghanistan till Stingers made an appearance. Are Cobras fighting well ?
Regarding copters - why doesn't Pak approach Russia for Mi-17s ? I don't think Indian pressure on Russia will work these days. Mi-17 can help you to evac prisoners and casualties.
Why don't you look at Casspir - India has been using it for CI ops in Kashmir esp useful against IEDs. I've seen them in Kashmir recentlyand they are mighty impressive vehicles ! South African produced - they have seen Combat use by their forces. Casspir - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

AH-1S Cobra Attack helicopter 18
AH-1F Cobra Attack helicopter 20
Mil Mi-17 Transport helicopter 30

These helicopters are currently operational in S.W operation and are playing a very important role.

 

[air marshal]

Brown lauds Pakistan action in Waziristan

LONDON, Nov 27 (APP): British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has welcomed Pakistan’s military action in Waziristan against the extremist elements and said his country will do more to help in the economic development of the South Asian nation.Briefing journalists belonging to the Commonwealth countries at the Downing Street on the eve of the Commonwealth Heads Government meeting in Trinidad and Tobago, he said: “We recognised that Pakistan Government has taken increased action against Al-Qaeda and Pakistan Taliban and that there are 30,000 Pakistan troops in Waziristan.”


Brown said the UK was contributing substantially to the economic development of Pakistan with focus on education and health care as a part of its comprehensive strategy for the region.

“We want the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan to understand that Britain is on their side against the threat of terrorism both in their countries and indeed in our country,” he said.

Saying that global terrorism is a major challenge, Brown added that the UK wants to help those countries who have suffered from this scourge.

Responding to a question, he said Britain wants both Pakistan and India, founding members of Commonwealth, to work in the closest of co-operation.

He said the last year’s events in Mumbai soured the relations between the two countries but at the same time he was hopeful that co-operation between the two countries happen that the highest level in the next few months .

“I think that is the key to any difficulties that lay between the two countries. Dialogue is necessary to ensure results.”

Brown also explained the British policy in Afghanistan which he said is to complement military strategy with political one and to push for a more transparent and corruption free governance.

“What we also want to do is to encourage those people not wedded to the Taliban to renounce violence and join the political process.”

He also called on the 43-nation coalition to share the burden in Afghanistan. The UK has already announced a further increase of 500 troops which will take its total deployment to 9500 in Afghanistan.

Brown was hopeful that re-elected President Hamid Karzai will take enough measures in the coming months against corruption and provide clean governance to the people to benefit from it.

Regarding the Commonwealth Summit, he said global climate will top the agenda. Brown said the presence of UN chief Ban Ki-moon at the conference will be a significant step toward a global climate deal that will be discussed in Copenhagen in two weeks’ time.

The gathering of leaders from the 53-nation body in Trinidad is the last major international meeting before the December 7-18 talks in Copenhagen.

The presence in Trinidad of two non-Commonwealth leaders-French President Nicholas Sarkozy and Danish Prime Minister Larks Loekke Rasmussen, who will host UN talks in Copenhagen, has clearly indicated the focus of the summit on global warming.

The Commonwealth leaders will also deal with health issues as well as Zimbabwe. “We hope to be able to announce what progress we are making on infant mortality and health care services for children and mothers,” Brown said.

Regarding Zimbabwe, the British premier noted that the African country can return to the organisation if it takes necessary steps and deliver on the requirements of the Global Political Agreement dealing with judicial, economic, constitutional and human right reforms.

 

[TaimiKhan]

Seventeen militants surrender in Bannu
Friday, 27 Nov, 2009


BANNU: At least 17 militants - who were allegedly linked to a local militant commander Zahid - have surrendered to Bannu Police, DawnNews reported on Friday.

Zahid has been accused of being involved in several attacks on girls' schools, and is reportedly a part of the Mehsud group.

Bannu DPO Iqbal Marwat, while talking to local media persons, said that Zahid is also responsible for attacking security personnel in Bannu district.

He added that Zahid has currently migrated to a safer area, due to the ongoing military operation.

The DPO also said that these militants were in contact with their fellow fighters, providing them with tactical and logistical support before they laid down their arms. He stated that the tribal elders were instrumental in bringing about the surrender.

Marwat added that the militants have vowed not to engage in militancy again or join any such group.

DAWN.COM | Pakistan | Seventeen militants surrender in Bannu

 

[TaimiKhan]

Security forces capture training centre in Kurram
Friday, 27 Nov, 2009

PESHAWAR: Security forces on Friday took over an important militant training centre in lower Kurram Agency and cut off link routes to Orakzai Agency.

According to official sources, during the military operation against militants in Kurram, security forces secured Badama and Taindo villages. They also arrested a number of local and foreignl militats from the area. Link routes from check posts inside Kurram to Orakzai agency have also been cut off in order to stop fleeing militants from infiltrating the area.

Security forces also took over an important training center comprising three bunkers of TTP Cheif Hakimullah Mahsud in Shash area of lower Kurram and recovered important documents, explosives and land mines.

DAWN.COM | Pakistan | Security forces capture training centre in Kurram

 

[Abu Zolfiqar]

"Terry" ?

"the taleban's lair"


that is some corney sh*t

 

[S-2]

"There's a very thin line between the Afghani people and terrorists (living in Afghanistan) buddy!"

Don't be so smug while you battle your own citizens upon your own soil.

As we DIDN'T support nor recognize the taliban- unlike Pakistan, we still managed to be Afghanistan's prime aid contributor between 1996-2001 through the U.N.

As to lumping the afghan people in with the terrorists, I'd suggest that most tajiks, hazara, and uzbeks had no use for the taliban. A lot of pashtu didn't either. Somehow, though, what's good for the afghans isn't good for the Pakistanis.

Too typical.

 

[S-2]

"...the director inserts a dedication to the brave and rugged mujahideen of Afghanistan - the very people you are fighting now!"

I see that you know very little about the origins of the taliban and the many whom comprised the afghan mujahideen. Further, even among those with combat experience against the Soviets, most of those remaining are now increasingly doing something other than leading insurgents through the hills.

Get serious about your discourse with me or plan on reaching my ignore list quickly. As of now, you're boring me with these trite assertions. There are light years of difference between those resisting the Soviet invasion and those resisting the U.N. mandate to stabilize Afghanistan and the forty NATO and non-NATO ISAF partners. All things being equal, most of the globe thinks the U.N. mandate is a GOOD thing and deserves support.

It also explains why most of the world isn't openly lining up with money and weapons for the afghan taliban. No PRC, America, France, Great Britain this time. Only Pakistan and her sanctuaries.

BIG difference. Still, its enough to give traction to an insurgency that can otherwise only rely upon the ineptitude of its afghan opponents.

Thanks.

 

[Abu Zolfiqar]

BIG difference. Still, its enough to give traction to an insurgency that can otherwise only rely upon the ineptitude of its afghan opponents.

Thanks.

ineptitude? In which country has the insurgency strengthened and in which one has it weakened?

you've been there for 8 long years. We recognize it as our war now, but only because we started having bomb blasts in our country. Where was ISAF when Afghan militants were slipping past you and entering our country? You are the occupiers of Afghanistan, so at least do your part and do more to patrol the borders on Afghan side!

The Afghan war was purely started by ISAF categorically as a reaction to 9/11 terrorist attacks. And as we can see, it will take a lot of maturing for the people in your Pentagon to ADDRESS the problems of the region rather than INFLAME them further.


don't think you can wash your hands and use us as a scapegoat for your failures....your tactics wont work on Pakistani people.








p.s. the sooner you get over your denial, the better and healthier it would be for you. 8 years later, anti-US sentiment has risen; and as a result, Afghans (even the Armed Forces apparently) want you OUT.

Best solution is for STATE DEPARTMENT to take over efforts. Pentagon is lost.

 

[fatman17]

AH-1S Cobra Attack helicopter 18
AH-1F Cobra Attack helicopter 20
Mil Mi-17 Transport helicopter 30

These helicopters are currently operational in S.W operation and are playing a very important role.

all are not operational at the same time - nearly 30% of the fleet is in maintenance at one time or another - it is a fact that the PAA fleet assets are 'over-worked' - in contrast ISAF rotory assets in afghanistan number 130 and they claim they are not enough!!!

 

[fatman17]

Troops kill 30 Taliban in Khyber, South Waziristan

* Security forces defuse 20 improvised explosive devices
* Seize caches of arms and ammunition

Staff Report

RAWALPINDI: Security forces have killed 15 more Taliban in the military offensive in South Waziristan, said the ISPR on Friday as troops also killed 15 Taliban in Khyber Agency.

The army launched an air and ground offensive in South Waziristan on October 17, deploying 30,000 troops backed by fighter jets and helicopter gunships in a bid to flush out the Taliban.

“Security forces cleared Narakai after ... a clash ... 15 Taliban were killed and one soldier injured,” said the ISPR in a statement, adding that troops cleared Sarwekai-Siplatoi Road in the same area, defusing 10 improvised explosive devices planted along the road.

Security forces also cleared Bangi Wal, Kunj Mela, Raghazai, in addition to 30 houses in Haidri Kuch and 50 houses in Kot Raghazai. They seized a huge cache of arms and ammunition during a clearance operation in Zhawar Killi. A clearance operation in Chagh Malai and Tor Mandao is underway.

The army conducted a clearance operation around Pash Ziarat, Wachuba and Kot Bandkhel, defusing nine improvised explosive devices. Troops also cleared 30 compounds in Mad Amir Killi, and seized a cache of arms and ammunition. A soldier was injured during a clash in the area. A clearance operation is also underway in Shaktu Taba village.

Meanwhile in Swat, two Taliban surrendered to security forces in Miandam. Troops also conducted a search operation in Qamber, and arrested three suspects.

Separately, a Frontier Corps statement said troops backed by helicopter gunships had killed 15 Taliban in Khyber – which lies on the main NATO supply route to Afghanistan outside Peshawar, reported the AFP news agency.

The army and the Frontier Corps mounted the operation in Khyber three days ago to crack down on militants, some of whom have attacked convoys supplying foreign troops fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Military spokesman Major Fazlur Rehman told AFP that three helicopter gunships pounded Taliban positions.

 

[fatman17]

Experts warn of ‘lone wolf’ terrorist threat

* FBI establishes ‘Lone Offender Task Force’ to tackle threat

PARIS: The “lone wolf” terrorist attacking poorly-defended targets now poses a bigger threat to the West than sophisticated plots, experts warned on Friday.

Although an individual working alone has little chance of pulling off an attack of the magnitude of September 11 2001, a lone operator’s isolation could make him practically undetectable right up to the moment when he struck. “In many ways, the lone wolf insider is the most challenging and difficult problem for the counter-terrorism and law enforcement communities,” Juan Zarate, a counter-terrorism advisor during former US president George W Bush’s administration, told a US Senate commission hearing on homeland security.

“The more a terrorist is interacting, communicating, and manifesting intent and capabilities, the more likely the plot can be prevented,” he said. Marc Sageman, a psychiatrist and former CIA agent in Afghanistan specialising in extremist networks, has recorded 33 plots against the West over the last five years. Of these, six were attributable directly to Al Qaeda and two to affiliated groups, but Sagemen said 25 were independent plots led by local operators with no connection to an international terrorist organisation. This is the key difference between Rany Arnaud, the young French Muslim convert arrested last December on suspicion of planning a car bomb attack against French intelligence headquarters, and the attacks in London in July 2005, where links were shown to “Al Qaeda central”.

“The tactic has changed from infiltration by trained terrorists, against whom border controls and police investigations could be effective, to self-indoctrinating and self-financing militants,” Sageman said. Sageman said that although the inquiry was at an early stage and areas of uncertainty remained, Major Nidal Malik Hassan — accused of killing 13 people at Fort Hood military base in Texas earlier this month – could be seen as a lone terrorist. Reports have suggested Hassan was in contact with a radical cleric in Yemen, Anwaral Aulaqi.

Established: To respond to the threat, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has set up a “Lone Offender Task Force”, and the bureau’s director Robert Mueller, has spoken of his concern about “lone wolf terrorist actors not tied in with any particular group overseas”. For US expert Evan Kohlmann, the Internet gives radical preachers and other extremists “a powerful tool offering easy access to an interactive virtual universe where they can mobilise vulnerable, unstable people around the world and incite them to carry out acts of violence”.

“And because the message is spread to individuals scattered across the globe, the violence comes in seemingly random burst from unexpected sources like pizza delivery boys, or even an army psychologist,” Kohlmann said.

afp

 

[moatasim]

operation rah-e-Nijat zindabad pakarmy paindabad

 

[Janbaz]

At the conclusion of opps, how much army will be stationed in Waziristan and the other agencies if any?

 

[TalibanSwatter]

Saturday, November 28, 2009
Samad Khurram

“When I heard Taliban voices, I told myself: this was it,” exclaimed a young officer in white shalwar-qameez as he addressed a rally in support of the Pakistani troops. He adjusted his walking aid to steady himself, “I was ready to die but was not prepared to let my badge be humiliated.”

Captain (then Lieutenant) Omar Tirmizi said that since the injury to his leg made movement impossible, “I took out a grenade from my pocket and put it in my mouth. I decided to take the enemy with me.” The crowd was deeply moved; so was I. Capt Tirmizi, of FF Regiment, was moments away from sacrificing his life when his comrades rescued him.

Given the severity of his injuries, doctors had advised Capt Tirmizi complete bed rest. But, he came to the rally. despite the pain. “Please know that we have given our everything for this war and it hurts us dearly if the people we die for accuse us of not being serious about the war or playing double games.” The very next day, another critical newspaper column claimed that the operation was a whitewash and the army was deliberately ignoring the Taliban.

Why are people still unsure about the seriousness of our forces after a thousand soldiers have laid down their lives for this cause? The answer lies in the miscalculated position of the army, particularly its mantra of “Good Taliban.” The crux of the “Good Taliban” argument is that the Taliban fighting against Pakistani forces are evil, while those who fight elsewhere are “good.” There are many reports indicating that the sympathy has evolved into some degree of cooperation between disgruntled elements in Pakistan and the Afghani Taliban. Leaders like Imran Khan and Fazlur Rehman and self-proclaimed analysts like Zaid Hamid elevate the Afghan Taliban to the status of heroes.

Both Pakistani and Afghan Taliban have to depend on each other. Gretchen Peters, author of Seeds of Terror: How Heroin Is Bankrolling the Taliban and Al Qaeda, points out that a significant portion of Taliban revenue comes from the drug trade. The Taliban do not grow poppy, but instead get money for providing security to drug shipments. When some of these shipments cross Afghanistan and enter Pakistan, it is the Pakistani Taliban who transport them down to the coast.

Peters writes that the other half of the deal is getting money to the drug lords. Some of this money follows the drug trade route backwards. Pakistani Taliban smuggle money to their counterparts in Afghanistan. This trade works on trust ties that have been nourished with time and the Pakistani Taliban earn hundreds of millions of dollars each year for their services. As long as the Afghan Taliban remain and benefit from the drug trade, they will hire business partners in Pakistan.

There are many other influences of the Afghan Taliban which have spilled over to Pakistan. The death formulas of hit-and-run assaults, suicide bombings and forceful imposition of a myopic mindset are gifts from the Afghan Taliban. Fazlullah was so inspired by Mullah Omar that he mimicked Omar’s strategy for conquest. Afghan Taliban first weakened the Afghan state by repeatedly attacking the Afghan army and police and creeping into more territory. They would destroy the morale of the army and people by spreading terror through attacks and by beheading and displaying mutilated corpses of their enemies until the Taliban swept through Kabul with ease in1996.

Twelve years later, Swat fell victim to the same formula. Fazlullah would hang spies and Pakistani soldiers at the “Khooni Chawk” in Swat, another page from the book of Mullah Omar who hanged enemies like Najibullah in Kabul.

There is also reasonable evidence that the Afghan Taliban support the TTP’s activities (“TTP gets Afghan Taliban support,” The News, Oct 18). Escaped Pakistani Taliban are given safe havens in Afghanistan. Fazlullah enjoys protection from the Afghan Taliban, from where he phoned Associated Press a few days back to inform them that he was still alive. Azam Tariq, the current spokesperson of the TTP, released a propaganda video last week. The video proudly displayed the logo of Al-Sahab, the media publicity wing of Al-Qaeda. Al-Sahab had earlier released videos of many Afghan Taliban. Of course, the Afghan Taliban realise they need the sympathy of certain pockets in Pakistan for survival and will try to deny any connection with the bombings in Pakistan.

With this backdrop the only comprehensive strategy of eliminating Pakistani Taliban is the total eradication of the Taliban through a joint Pakistani-Afghan-US effort. This would require cutting off all backchannels with the Afghan Taliban, strict surveillance of the former handlers of the Taliban and a crackdown on smuggling through the Pakistani-Afghan border—in addition to military and political offensives.

While the current operation against the militants suggests that the army is really serious about eliminating the Pakistani Taliban, it does not shed much light on its attitude towards the Afghan Taliban. Until we get clear evidence of the army going against the Afghan Taliban as well, we must continue to ask the awkward question. Is our army really serious about eliminating the Taliban?

I know I will get my answer when I hear Zaid Hamid oppose the Afghan Taliban.