Sararogha secured; 21 militants killed
By Iftikhar A. Khan
ISLAMABAD: Security forces achieved a major success in their operation in South Waziristan on Tuesday by taking control of Sararogha, the operational nerve centre of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Military spokesman Maj-Gen Athar Abbas told Dawn that troops had entered Sararogha and were carrying out a search and clearance operation.
The troops faced fierce resistance in their advance towards Sararogha after having taken Kotkai, the hometown of TTP Chief Hakimullah Mehsud.
Sararogha has been the venue of TTP shura meetings and press conferences held by its leaders. It is close to the settled areas of Bannu and Lakki Marwat.
Gen Abbas said the dislodging of the TTP from its operational base would lead to a quick disintegration of the organisation.
Although the TTP was claiming that it was a ‘tactical withdrawal’, he said, its capability of carrying out organised attacks and striking back had weakened to a great extent.
An official said that security forces’ ability to carry out effective surveillance and monitoring of militants’ movement at night had played a major role in the success.
He said effectively targeted attacks had caused heavy casualties behind the front. These casualties are not in the count officially announced by the forces.
According to ISPR, 21 militants were killed and two suspects apprehended in South Waziristan on Monday and Tuesday.
One soldier died and two others were injured in clashes.
In the search and clearance operation in Kaniguram, troops found arms and ammunition in different compounds. They are now advancing to adjoining ridges.
Terrorists fired six rockets on Kaniguram.
Troops have also started clearing Ghani Khel and adjoining areas and have killed five terrorists.
On the Razmak-Makin axis, the Cheena village and areas up to Mian Nur Khel and south of Manza Sar have been secured.
Militants attacked a checkpoint near Razmak with small arms and fired two rockets.
A soldier was injured near Chashmai bridge while defusing a landmine.
In Swat, 21 suspects were apprehended and 10 terrorists surrendered. Two SMGs with ammunition, a pistol and five grenades were seized in Cham.
Two uniforms of the Special Services Group, camouflage jackets, machine-guns, rifles, grenades and Russian IEDs were found in the Peochar area.
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