Operation Rah-e-Rast (Swat)

[Xeric]

WORLD BULLETIN- TURKEY, MUSLIMS, ISLAM, BALKANS, CAUCASUS [ Pakistan army says kills 35 fighters in Khyber ]



Pakistan army says kills 35 fighters in Khyber

Pakistani troops backed by helicopter gunships killed about 35 fighters in attacks on Khyber Pass region, a spokesman said.

Saturday, 05 September 2009 12:46

Pakistani troops backed by helicopter gunships killed about 35 fighters on Saturday in attacks on the northwestern Khyber Pass region, a spokesman for the paramilitary Frontier Corps said.

The offensive came after the recent Taliban attacks on Western military supply convoy in the end of last month.

In August 31, Taliban fighters set fire to 18 container trucks carrying military supplies for Western forces in neighbouring Afghanistan where U.S.-led forces invaded in 2001 in the Pakistani border town of Chaman.

The Khyber Pass is a main route for military supplies being trucked from the Pakistani port of Karachi to Western forces.

Troops began a new offensive in the Khyber this week against fighters, including some who had fled from the Swat offensive.

Military says the ftroops targeted a headquarters of Lashkar-e-Islam and about 15 were killed in the attack. Mangal Bagh, an ethnic Pashtun fighter is beleived to lead the goup.

Another 20 were killed elsewhere in the region on strikes on hideouts of fighters loyal to Bagh.

The Kyber is one of seven Pakistani regions with a high degree of autonomy based on tribal laws.

Taliban has kept attacks on truck convoys for Western troops in Afghanistan to block invasion.

Pakistani army launched late April a massive offensive in Swat Valley, breaking the deal
between Taliban and government over a Sharia administration.

Taliban gained the right to form provincial administration, implementing Shar'ia laws in Swat districts under the deal. But Taliban fighters entered neighbouring districts, including one just 100 km (60 miles) northwest of Islamabad.

Taliban says the offensive was launched by government to please U.S. who has pressured to break it.

Taliban says Pakistani government had no respect for any pact and They kept violating every agreement and if this goes on.

The army says it has killed over 2,000 militants, and lost 312 soldiers in the fighting. Independent casualty estimates are unavailable.

Reuters

 

[Xeric]

Al Jazeera English - CENTRAL/S. ASIA - Scores killed in Pakistan attacks

Scores killed in Pakistan attacks

Government officials said the offensive would continue until all fighters are flushed out [AFP]


UPDATED ON:
Sunday, September 06, 2009
00:56 Mecca time, 21:56 GMT

At least 43 fighters have been killed by the Pakistani troops in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber region, officials have said.

At least 15 fighters were killed on Saturday in the first clash, while 28 others were killed in air raids on suspected fighters' hideouts, The officials said on Saturday.

"Our forces targeted a headquarters of Lashkar-e-Islam and about 15 militants were killed in the attack," said a Frontier Corps spokesman in Peshawar.

Lashkar-e-Islam is under the command of Mangal Bagh, an ethnic Pashtun fighter.

The group is suspected to have links with al-Qaeda and has been a main target of the latest government offensive in Khyber, which authorities say has killed scores of suspected fighters.

The Khyber operation was launched about a week ago after a suicide bombing at a border checkpoint killed 19 police officers.

Tariq Hayat, a senior government official in Khyber, said the operation would continue until all fighters were flushed out of the region.

Intense pressure

Fighters frequently attack trucks along Khyber, a main route for supplies destined for US troops in Afghanistan.

Pakistan is under intense US pressure to crack down on fighters along the Afghan border, especially the lawless tribal belt where Osama bin Laden, the al-Qaida leader, is believed to be hiding.

The US believes the fighters use Pakistan's tribal areas and other troubled parts of the northwest as safe havens from which to plan attacks on Western troops across the frontier.

Helicopter gunships and fighter planes also pounded fighters' positions in the tribal region of Orakzai that borders Khyber.

Intelligence officials said there had been casualties.

In Swat, security forces killed a militant commander and arrested five others, according to a military statement.

Seven more fighters surrendered to security forces.

The military said troops also destroyed two hideouts in the neighbouring Dir region.

The offensive in Swat and elsewhere has calmed fears among Pakistan's allies - particularly the US and others with troops in Afghanistan - that Islamabad is failing to confront armed groups.

 

[SparklingCrescent]

poor lashkar-e-islam... dont know who there doin this fight against...

 

[Comet]

I am confused an need to know something.

As it is said that Saudi's are financing the Taliban because of wahabism, right?
Now, Taliban are supporting Alqaeda as every one knows.
Alqaeda is against Saudi's as evident by OBL remarks.

what the hell is this scenario?

 

[TaimiKhan]

I am confused an need to know something.

As it is said that Saudi's are financing the Taliban because of wahabism, right?
Now, Taliban are supporting Alqaeda as every one knows.
Alqaeda is against Saudi's as evident by OBL remarks.

what the hell is this scenario?

SA is not officially supporting or financing the AQ, its the individual persons, rich people belonging to the elite class which finance it knowingly or unknowingly through their charity or donation efforts.

 

[Xeric]

:: ISPR :: Inter Services Public Relations - PAKISTAN

Update Operation (Rah e Rast) 6th September 2009

1. Search and clearance operations are continuing in Swat and Malakand.
2. Swat
a. 5 terrorists voluntarily surrendered themselves to security forces at Gat near Piochar and Bar Shaur.
b. On a tip off, regarding presence of terrorists, Security forces conducted cordon and search operation in Liluani near Alpurai.
During exchange of fire 3 terrorists were killed and 2 were apprehended.
c. 2 terrorists voluntarily surrendered to security forces at Bilogram / Odigram.
d. A boy (10 years old), who got training from terrorists voluntarily surrendered to security forces at Nagwa.
e. 2 terrorists voluntarily surrendered to security forces at Hazara and Guljaba.
3. Relief Activities. 288,525 cash cards have been distributed amongst the IDPs of Malakand.

 

[EagleEyes]

Thirty-three killed, training camps destroyed in Khyber

LANDI KOTAL: Thirty-three militants were killed and two terrorist training camps and seven hideouts were destroyed by helicopter gunships in the remote Tirah valley of Khyber Agency on Sunday.

Most of the attacks were carried out in Naree Baba and Tharkho Kas areas where the proscribed Lashkar-i-Islam group is believed to have set up private jails and training centres.

(AFP quoted an FC statement as saying ‘security forces today targeted Tharkho Kas camp (and) Naree Baba Markaz. Both centres and six vehicles got destroyed. Thirty-three militants also got killed in this operation.&#8217

Officials said two private jails had also been hit.

Meanwhile, troops demolished 17 houses of militant leaders in Malikdin Khel and Shalobar areas of Bara and in Jamrud tehsil.

Nine suspected militants hiding in a house in Jamrud were captured and two kidnapped persons were freed.
An unidentified person was killed in an exchange of fire between militants and troops in Bara.

A 15-member peace committee comprising tribal elders met officials of the political administration and called for a swift end to the operation.

The officials gave them a list of 68 most wanted men, including LI chief Mangal Bagh. They said that all the wanted men should surrender unconditionally. This meant that the operation would continue if militants did not surrender.

They reminded the elders of a pledge made by the Lashkar-i-Islam last year that militants would not challenge the writ of the state and stop armed patrolling in Bara.

DAWN.COM | Pakistan | Thirty-three killed, training camps destroyed in Khyber

 

[courageneverdies]

Rawalpindi - September 9, 2009:

Update Operation (Rah e Rast) 9th September 2009

1. Search and clearance operations are continuing in Swat and Malakand.

2. Swat

a. Security forces conducted search operation at Charai near Malam Jabba and during exchange of fire with terrorists 1 soldier embraced shahadat and 2 soldiers were injured. 7 terrorists were also killed.

b. 11 terrorists voluntarily surrendered to security forces at Sarsanai, shadhand Banda and Bar Shaur.

c. 11 suspect terrorists were apprehended at Dosara Banda, Bartan, Nalkot Bagh Dheri and Rahatkot.

d. Local Jirga handed over a terrorist to security forces at Bar Kabulgram near Martung.

3. Bajaur

a. Security forces conducted search operation at Nawaga Bazaar and apprehended local terrorists commander along with 5 accomplices.

b. A wanted terrorist Kalam Khan voluntarily surrendered at Khar.

4. Relief Activities

a. 10 trucks of mix rations have been distributed amongst the IDPs of Bajaur.

b. 294,841 cash cards have been distributed amongst the IDPs of Malakand.

---

KIT Over n Out

 

[Xeric]

Pakistan army kills one militant, arrest 35 in operations_English_Xinhua

Pakistan army kills one militant, arrest 35 in operations
English_Xinhua 2009-09-10 18:02:58

ISLAMABAD, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's security forces killed one militant and apprehended 35 others in the continued search and clearance operations in northwest Pakistan's Swat and Malakand districts during the last 24 hours, the army said Thursday.

The army said in a daily update that the security forces conducted search operation in various areas in Swat and killed one militant and arrested seven with another 13 surrendered themselves to the security forces.

In nearby Dir, the security forces arrested two suspects from Kalapani and 13 suspects voluntarily surrendered to the security forces at Zamindara Post, said the statement.

It said that the operation which started in Bara of Khyber tribal agency on Sept. 1 is progressing smoothly. During the operation, 135 militants including some local commanders have been Killed.

As many as 19 militants Markaz and 119 houses of militants were also destroyed in Bara. The security forces also recovered huge cache of arms, ammunition, explosive equipment and huge quantity of other equipment, the army said.

The army said that beside one wing of the Frontier Corps (FC) which is already deployed in Bara, one additional wing of FC will continue to remain there till the time situation stabilizes completely and normalcy returns to the area.

On relief activities, the army said, so far 294,841 cash cards have been distributed amongst the internally displaced persons (IDPs) of Malakand.

Over 1,600 militants have been killed since Pakistani security forces launched the military operation against Taliban militants late April after militants in early April entered the Buner district from the neighboring Swat district and refused to vacate the area despite their pledge to do so.

 

[courageneverdies]

Rawalpindi - September 10, 2009:

Update Operation (Rah e Rast) 10th September 2009

1. Locals in Swat are extending all possible help to security forces to flush out terrorists from there area. In a similar incident an 80 years old (Name Not being disclosed for safety reason) informed presence of foreign terrorists in Dureshah near Kokrai. Security forces conducted search and destroy operation on the tip off. 6 foreign terrorists (Afghan-Uzbeks) were killed and huge cache of Arms and ammunition have also been recovered. The old man who informed security forces about terrorists was offered prize but he declined to receive by saying that he wanted to see his area clear of terrorists including foreigners.

2. Swat

a. 9 terrorists voluntarily surrendered to security forces at Barshaur and Kanju Fort.

b. Security forces conducted search operation at Banjot, Takhatband and Batkhela killed 1 terrorist and apprehended 7 suspected terrorists.

c. 4 terrorists voluntarily surrendered to security forces at Kanju Fort.

3. Khyber

a. The operation against terrorists which started in Bara on 1st September is progressing smoothly. During operation which was code named Bio Daralam 135 terrorists including local terrorists commanders Murad, Alam Shah, Habib ur Rehman and Tehseen Killed. Ninteen terrorists Markaz and 119 houses of terrorists were also destroyed. Security forces also recovered huge cache of arms and ammunition which includes 129 Small Machine Guns, 96 Rifle 12 Bore, 53 Kalakuf, 71 Rifle 7/8 MM, 121 Pistol, 8 Grenades, Heavy and Light Machine Guns, 2.5 Rocket Fuzes, 50070 Rounds of 30 Bore Pistol, 79 Boxes of other various small arms ammunitions and explosive equipment and huge quantity of other equipment which include Hashish, Opium, Mobile Sets, Generators, Passports, Batteries, Cars, Motorcycles, Foreign Currency and Computers.

b. Beside one wing of FC which is already deployed in Bara, one additional wing of FC will continue to remain there till the time situation stablizes completely and normalcy returns to the Area.

4. Dir

a. 13 suspects voluntarily surrendered to security forces at Zamindara Post.

b. Security forces apprehended 2 suspects from Kalapani.

5. Relief Activities.

294,841 cash cards have been distributed amongst the IDPs of Malakand.

---

KIT Over n Out

 

[TaimiKhan]

Rawalpindi - September 10, 2009:

The old man who informed security forces about terrorists was offered prize but he declined to receive by saying that he wanted to see his area clear of terrorists including foreigners.

This shows the courage, spirit & determination of the local people who have been in hell due to these people and now wish to get rid of them.

Hope the people of Swat & PA continue this cooperation till these murderers are finished.

 

[TaimiKhan]

Pakistan Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan spokesman Muslim Khan arrested

PESHAWAR: Security forces have arrested the chief spokesman and a commander of Taliban militants who rose up more than two years ago in the northwest Swat district, the military said Friday.

‘Muslim Khan and Mahmood Khan with head money of 10 million rupees have been arrested by security forces in a successful operation in Swat,’ chief military spokesman Athar Abbas said in a statement.

‘Along with them, three other terrorist leaders Fazle Ghaffar, Abdul Rehman and Sartaj have been also been apprehended,’ he added.

DAWN.COM | Pakistan | Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan spokesman Muslim Khan arrested

 

[courageneverdies]

Rawalpindi - September 11, 2009:

A spokesman of ISPR said that Muslim Khan and Mahmood Khan with head money of Rs 10 Million each have been arrested
by the security forces in a successful operation in Swat. Alongwith them, three other terrorist leaders Fazle Ghaffar,
Abdul Rehman and Sartaj have also been apprehended.


According to details, the spokesman said that Muslim Khan, Mehmood Khan and the other terrorists’ accomplices have
been arrested after successful operation from the suburbs of Mingora. The arrested terrorist leaders are under interrogation
of Law Enforcement Agencies. He further said that the security forces are conducting operations on the information obtained
from the arrested terrorist leaders, any further details to the media on the arrested leaders at this stage may jeopardize the
operations of security forces, which are meeting remarkable success.
He categorically denied an impression in a section of the press that any kind of negotiations were being held with these
terrorists. “We have already declared that no talks will be held with any terrorist, if they want to surrender, they should lay
down their arms and hand themselves to Civil Administration / Law Enforcement Agencies”, he concluded.

---

KIT Over

 

[courageneverdies]

Rawalpindi - September 11, 2009:

Update Operation (Rah e Rast) 11 September 2009

1. Search and clearance operations are continuing in Swat and Malakand.

2. Swat

a. 4 terrorists voluntarily surrendered to security forces at Bar Shaur.

b. 4 terrorists including commander Nisar voluntarily surrendered to security forces at Damghar near Kanju.

c. Security forces carried out search operation at Kad near Sardari and killed 2 terrorists and apprehended 5 suspects.

d. Security forces carried out search operation at Narai Sar Banda and demolished 2 caves and 4 terrorists hideouts.

e. Security forces carried out search operation at Ahingro Derai and Takhtaband and apprehended 6 terrorists.

3. Dir.

Local lashkar demolished over 100 terrorists houses at Dhok Darra.

a. 13 suspects voluntarily surrendered to security forces at Zamindara Post.

b. Security forces apprehended 2 suspects from Kalapani.

4. Relief Activities.

296,944 cash cards have been distributed amongst the IDPs of Malakand.

---

KIT Over n Out

 

[fatman17]

COAS visits Dir, hails security forces’ efforts

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Kayani on Friday visited Dir and praised the security forces for their efforts in the fight against the Taliban and the rehabilitation of the displaced people. The ISPR said the COAS was briefed on the security situation in the area by the troops’ commander in Dir. General Kayani met army officers and troops and praised their efforts to secure the area. Kayani also met local leaders, who assured him of their full support to the security forces in their fight against the terrorists.

staff report