Operation Rah-e-Rast (Swat)

[Owais]

'Taliban commander among 17 terrorists killed'

ISLAMABAD (updated on: May 24, 2009, 03:27 PST): Security forces have seized huge arms and ammunition dump of terrorists in the terrains of Qambar, while a suicide bomber was killed and explosive laden vehicle destroyed.

During last 24 hours more than 17 terrorists including an important commander were killed while seven terrorists including notorious commander Khurshid alias Qasai (butcher) were arrested in the operation Rah-e-Raast from different parts of Malakand division, Major General Athar Abbas, Director General, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said during his regular briefing on the ongoing military operation.

Information Minister Qamaruz Zaman Kaira was also present in the briefing and informed media about government efforts for the relief of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Kaira said that the shortage of essential commodities including food items has emerged in the areas under military operation, while the food supply was provided to people in the areas, the security forces have cleared from terrorists.

"Food items and other essential commodities were sent to Kalam and Madyan areas of Swat valley, after these areas were cleared", Kaira added. He said that government is collecting complete data of the IDPs to make sure that no miscreant escape under the cover of migrants.

To a question, Information Minister said European Union and the United States are supporting Pakistan for IDPs through the World Food Programme of the United Nations. Athar Abbas said that the security forces have consolidated their positions at Qambar Ridge, which is overlooking Mengora.

During fight at Qambar Ridge, 6 miscreants have been killed and their bodies are lying there. "During search and destroy operation three caves having large quantity of ammunition and rations have been unearthed, besides a transmission station along with base unit", he added.

Athar Abbas said that the operation Rah-e-Raast has entered into an important phase and clearance of Mengora has commenced and areas from circuit house to Makan Bagh including Continental Hotel in the city were cleared. "Entire Mengora City was cordoned of to avoid the escape of terrorists from the city", he added.

He said that security forces have started clearance of Nawan Killi and link up between forces coming from Fiza Ghat to Whataki Chowk and Ayub Bridge to Nawan Killi exchange has been established. Fierce battle and heavy exchange of fire is taking place at Nishat Chowk of Mengora city, he added.

"One suicide bomber was shot dead, while one explosive laden vehicle was destroyed at Makanzai area of Mengora, while terrorists' hideouts at Hira School Sharifabad was pounded and a number of terrorists have been reportedly killed", Abbas said, adding that a notorious terrorist commander Khurshid alias Qasai (butcher) was arrested by security forces from Watakai area.

He said that the security forces have advanced in Peochar Valley and the terrorists are on the run in small groups from the Peochar valley. It has shattered the myth of terrorists in the Valley and has increased the confidence of local population in armed forces, he added.

To a question regarding the co-operation of local people, spokesman of Pakistan Army said that the local people have voluntarily surrendered weapons kept for protection on the instructions of Security Forces. The locals of Peochar revealed that they were subjected to forced labour and atrocities by miscreants- terrorists, he added.

Security forces have restored the communication link of Matta and Peochar as they successfully secured the vital Wanai Bridge linking the two cities, he said, adding that the security forces are consolidating their positions around Alam Ganj, Nazarabad, Uchraisar and Wanai Bridge.

Abbas said that the cordon and search operations are being conducted on information of miscreants' arrival in Qambar bazaar. Yesterday, 5 miscreants were killed and one compound destroyed, he added. He said that the security forces have repulsed the attack of terrorists at a security post located north of Qambar Bazar, while security forces have destroyed one vehicle of terrorists near Kalpani post along with four terrorists.

Weapons, large sized batteries and mobiles recovered from the vehicle, he added. Kaira told media that a special helpline was established in Government run television network for IDPs, while a special cell was set up at Press Information Department regarding the help and assistance for the IDPs

brecorder.com

 

[thorosius]

There are some unconfirmed reports that Fazal-Ullah has been killed in a bombing raid conducted by the AirForce. He has had no contact with his men for about a week now in contrast to his daily messages for his lieutenants. And there are also indications that differences as to whom should take charge are tearing apart the TTP. excellent opportunity for a divide and conquer strategy.

 

[Beskar]

There are some unconfirmed reports that Fazal-Ullah has been killed in a bombing raid conducted by the AirForce. He has had no contact with his men for about a week now in contrast to his daily messages for his lieutenants. And there are also indications that differences as to whom should take charge are tearing apart the TTP. excellent opportunity for a divide and conquer strategy.

Janab apkay mun mein ghee shakkar, where'd you hear that?

 

[ajpirzada]

There are some unconfirmed reports that Fazal-Ullah has been killed in a bombing raid conducted by the AirForce. He has had no contact with his men for about a week now in contrast to his daily messages for his lieutenants. And there are also indications that differences as to whom should take charge are tearing apart the TTP. excellent opportunity for a divide and conquer strategy.

there was some speculation in media (sometime back) as well but ISPR did not confirm it while sayin that they havent got any evidence though they targeted his hideouts.

 

[Neo]

Pakistan battles for Swat's Taliban-held main town​

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AFP) – Pakistan's military said on Sunday it had seized several key areas in the Swat valley's main town, which is held by the Taliban, as their battle to regain control of the northwest reached a crucial phase.

Troops moved into Mingora on Saturday, fighting street-by-street battles with Islamic insurgents who last month flouted a ceasefire agreement and moved toward the capital Islamabad, sparking a fierce US-backed military retaliation.

By Sunday, officials said several important intersections and three squares in Mingora were under their control, including the notorious Green Square where the Taliban reportedly carried out beheadings late last year.

The ground assault on Mingora, a city with an estimated population of about 300,000 -- many of whom have fled -- marks the most critical part of the military's offensive against the Taliban in the picturesque Swat valley.

"Security forces are engaged in clearing landmines. They are also conducting search operations in the areas under their control," a security official said on condition of anonymity, as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

Another military official told AFP soldiers remained locked in street battles in Mingora, where Taliban insurgents have in recent weeks been patrolling with guns and rocket launchers, according to terrified residents.

"Clashes are going on between security forces and militants in Nawa Kilay neighbourhood of Mingora and its western suburb of Qambar," he said.

A curfew remained in place in the city and gunfire could be heard, the official said, but there was no shelling overnight.

Attempts to contact local residents by telephone were impossible with both mobile and landline networks down.

Although the military has bases inside Mingora, the town has been under effective Taliban control. As the administrative and business hub of the district, its capture is essential for the army to declare victory in Swat.

"Mingora is vital for both the Taliban and the troops. The Taliban have put in lot of assets there. They dug in there, they mined the city and seized commercial units," said security analyst Ikram Sehgal.

"It is the capital of Swat and it has a psychological value. A victory there will be big boost for the security force."

Fears grow, however, for between 10,000 and 20,000 civilians that the military say are still trapped in Mingora, cowering behind closed doors with dwindling supplies of food and no access to medical care.

More than 1.7 million people have already fled the military assault, which began in Lower Dir district four weeks ago and has now gripped Buner and Swat.

Security forces say 15,000 troops are now fighting 1,500 to 2,000 "hardcore militants" in Swat, where the government last month ordered a push to eradicate fighters who thrust to within 100 kilometres (60 miles) of Islamabad.

The extremists' advance came despite a February deal with a pro-Taliban cleric which put three million people in the northwest under sharia law in a bid to end the two-year Taliban insurgency -- a deal which now lies in tatters.

Chief military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said on Saturday parts of Mingora had already been cleared and that 17 militants, including an important commander, had been killed.

Pakistani troops have been tightening their encirclement of the city for days and Abbas said militant supplies had been cut off.

Washington had baulked at the February sharia deal but Islamabad's fresh assault has the full backing of the United States, which has identified Pakistan and Afghanistan as central to its battle with Islamist extremism.

 

[ajpirzada]

Security forces secure key Mingora intersections
Sunday, 24 May, 2009 | 09:22 PM PST |

ISLAMABAD: Operation Rahe Rast made headway on Sunday, with security forces securing control of important areas including key cross-roads in the largest city of Swat and capturing Kamber town known as the gateway to Mingora, the military said.

‘Wattakai Chowk, Nawakilli Chowk, Nishat Chowk, Sirafe Chowk, Gulshan Chowk, Green Chowk, Haji Baba Chowk and Sohrab Chowk in Mingora have been secured as the security forces continue to make advance in Mingora city,’ military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas told Dawn.

Five terrorists were killed in various areas of Mingora city while 14 miscreants have been arrested by the security forces. He said arms and ammunitions have been recovered in Mingora city.

During their movement, security forces encountered 12 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), four of which were defused. He said intense fighting was going on in Mingora city and the terrorists were on the run.

He said Malakand-Kanju road that was blocked by the terrorists had now been opened and a convoy of security forces moved from Malakand to Kanju.

The military spokesman said 10 militants were killed in various areas of Swat during exchange of fire with security forces, while 14 had been arrested. Three security forces personnel laid down their lives and six were injured.

He said the security forces have entered Peochar village after surrounding the Peochar Valley. During a search and cordon operation, a huge cache of arms was recovered from miscreants’ hideouts along with an extensive factory used to make IED bombs. He said the ammunition producing facility was under the control of security forces now.

General Athar Abbas said security forces launched a swift operation in Malam Jabba on receiving information about presence of miscreants there. During clashes five miscreant-terrorists were killed. Their bodies were lying alongside the road, he said.

He said about fifteen truck loads of relief items despatched by Armed Forces at Khawazakhela have reached Madian, Bahrain and Kalam. The relief goods contain eatables for the stranded people of the area. Meanwhile Special Support Group has also despatched relief goods (eatables / medicines) to the stranded people of Madian, Kalam and surrounding areas.

50 tons of rations were distributed by Army among the internally displaced persons (IDPs) on Sunday. So far Army has donated 510 tons of rations out of its daily quota. Donated items included Atta, Daal, Sugar and Ghee. The ration is daily consumed by over 80,000 Internally Displaced Persons.

Five trucks load of rations and non food items were distributed among 26383 off camp IDPs of Garhi Kapoora, six Union Councils of Tehsil Takhtaband. Army troops also coordinated the provision of relief goods to the Orphans of Swat residing in an orphanage at Peshawar.

DAWN.COM | Pakistan | Security forces secure key Mingora intersections

 

[brilTek]

Pakistan takes control of 'bloody intersection'

The Independent, UK
May 25, 2009.

Pakistani troops battling the Taliban made major advances in the Swat Valley's main town yesterday, taking several key points including a spot nicknamed "bloody intersection" because militants routinely dumped the mutilated bodies of their victims there.

A military statement yesterday said forces moving from street to street in Mingora secured eight crossings while encountering at least 12 roadside bombs. Meanwhile, helicopter gunships pounded Taliban hideouts across the north-west, killing at least 18.

Five suspected militants were killed in various parts of Mingora while 14 others were arrested, the army said. Victory in the town, a key commercial hub, is considered critical to the success of the effort to drive the Taliban out.

The army has said 10,000 to 20,000 residents are still stranded in the town, which normally has a population of at least 375,000. Between 1,500 and 2,000 Taliban fighters are said to be there. The military says about 1,100 suspected insurgents have died so far in the month-long offensive. But it has not given any tally of civilian deaths, and refugees have reported dozens of ordinary Pakistanis killed in the fight.

One civilian said on Saturday night that gunshots were ringing through the air, first continuously, then at intervals. He said he had tried to flee the city twice but failed due to the fighting and lack of transportation. "I will try to leave again whenever I get another chance," said Fazal Wadood, a local leader of the opposition Pakistan Muslim League-N party. "It is like inviting death to stay here anymore."

Source: Pakistan takes control of "bloody intersection"

 

[batmannow]

GEO Pakistan
10 more militants killed, 3 security men also martyred in Swat
Updated at: 1857 PST, Sunday, May 24, 2009

MINGORA: At least 10 militants were killed and 14 arrested during last 24 hours in the underway Swat operation.

ISPR handout also confirmed the martyrdom of three security personnel wounded six during the operation.

Security forces have retrieved several key-locations in the city here, which included Nawakali Chowk, Nishat Chowk, Sarafi Chowk, Gulshan Chowk, Green Chowk, Haji Baba Chowk and Sohrab Chowk.

ISPR said that the militants’ bomb and explosive manufacturing factory was also impounded at Peuchar valley, while at Malamjabba in Swat area five militants were killed in clashes with the security forces.

Matta and Khawazakhela were allowed curfew break from 9.00 A.M. to 4.00 P.M.

Following siege of Swat valley Peuchar, the forces have entered into the Peuchar village.

 

[asq]

na man. its afghanistan.

Afghanistan has no ordinance factory ot any kind of manufacturing of weapons, so who is giving Afghanistan these weapon of such quality. And how come they can cross border so easily when Nato is watching the border like hawks.

 

[ali.abbas00001]

Afghanistan has no ordinance factory ot any kind of manufacturing of weapons, so who is giving Afghanistan these weapon of such quality. And how come they can cross border so easily when Nato is watching the border like hawks.

America who else

 

[kidwaibhai]

i have just read the BBC urdu site. which claims that the taliban have been given orders not to shoot at the army anymore. they are portraying this as a strategy to protect the lives and property of the people in that area but people know that this is a measure to save face as they have been defeated. remember this is there tactic this is what happened in bajaur when they lost they declared a seize fire.
I hope that the army doesn't stop the operation and finds the top leadership. either it brings them in front of the courts or kills them we have to kill these people or put them in front of a judge so that they can be executed.

 

[thorosius]

Janab apkay mun mein ghee shakkar, where'd you hear that?

I heard it from a defence analyst on a news show (can't remember his name. He was some retired army officer) According to him, after intelligence pointed out Fazal-Ullah's whereabouts to the Air force, a bombing raid was conducted and intelligence also reported that all the people present were killed. When Army reached the site there was a lot of blood but the bodies were removed, unusual because TTP didn't care to extract their dead in any previous such strike. Meaning that perhaps the initial reports of Fazal-Ullah present at the site were true. Army did not find a body so they had no proof.

 

[kidwaibhai]

this is the reality of the taliban they are forcing locals to marry their daughters to the themselves.

 

[fatman17]

Ally deserts Pakistan’s insurgents

Tom Hussain, Foreign Correspondent

Last Updated: May 24. 2009 7:30PM UAE / May 24. 2009 3:30PM GMT ISLAMABAD // Baitullah Mehsud, leader of Pakistan’s insurgents, has been deserted by a key ally – possibly on the orders of Afghanistan’s Taliban leader Mohammed Omar – leaving him isolated before an expected attack by security forces, Taliban sources said.

The commander, Haji Nazeer of South Waziristan tribal agency, had in February formed an alliance, the Shura Ittihad-ul-Mujahideen, with Mr Mehsud and Hafiz Gul Bahadur, the top commander of North Waziristan agency, on orders from Mr Omar.

The purpose of ordering the alliance was to rein in Mr Mehsud who, up to that point, had acted as head of the Pakistani Taliban factions, and force him to focus on fighting the growing US military presence across the border in Afghanistan, sources close to Mr Omar said.

“The Amir-ul-Momineen [Mr Omar’s spiritual title] had written three letters to Baitullah, warning him that his attacks inside Pakistan were undermining the jihad in Afghanistan,” said the source, identifying himself only as “Ghaznavi”, a militant tag that indicates his birthplace as Ghazni in Afghanistan.

“Baitullah has failed to listen to the repeated warnings, proving him to be America’s biggest agent against Pakistan,” he said during a recent interview in Karachi.
Mr Omar had decided against making public such views because he did not want to be seen as partisan in Pakistan’s internal affairs, he said.

He refused to confirm or deny whether Mr Nazeer had been instructed to withdraw support to Mr Mehsud, but conceded that their future actions “would reflect advice from Mullah Omar, rather than Baitullah”.

The relationship between Mr Mehsud and Mr Nazeer has never been an easy one. Mr Nazeer was a signatory to a peace agreement between militants and the government in 2006 in which he had agreed to expel foreign al Qa’eda terrorists from South Waziristan. His militia subsequently chased them out of areas controlled by his Wazir tribe, but clashed with Mr Mehsud’s fighters after they gave sanctuary to the fleeing foreign fighters, most of them from Uzbekistan.

Their rival militias continued to fight until Mr Omar ordered them to join in February.
Tribal elders in Wana, the administrative headquarters of South Waziristan, said they have seen no indication that Mr Nazeer was preparing to fight.

They said large-scale army and paramilitary reinforcements had driven unopposed over the past two weeks through the area dominated by his militia, taking up positions along the mountainous boundary occupied by the Mehsud tribe.

They attributed this to Mr Nazeer’s record of avoiding a destructive conflict with security forces and to his affiliation with the Wazir tribe, which farms the temperate fertile plains areas of the tribal agency.

Recent exchanges of rocket and artillery fire reflected his anger at being repeatedly targeted by US drones, pilotless planes, which he sees as a violation of the 2006 peace agreement, rather than any desire to push security forces out of the area, they said.

“He has always hated violence because of the suffering it inflicts on us as a people. Right now our annual crop of fruit and vegetables is almost ready for harvest. Nazeer knows that the harvest is key to our survival and would never do anything to imperil it,” said an elder, who spoke on condition of anonymity, citing security fears.

Local journalists, who also sought anonymity, said they had been summoned for a meeting with Mr Nazeer on Thursday, but he had failed to arrive for the meeting because of the threat posed by constant drone activity in the area.

Hafiz Gul Bahadur, also a Wazir tribe member, has been under similar pressure from drone attacks in North Waziristan agency, suggesting a broader strategy involving both the Pakistani and US governments.

The journalists were not informed of the purpose of the meeting, but surmised its purpose was to give “editorial advice” about their coverage of forthcoming hostilities between the security forces and Mr Mehsud’s militia, which is estimated at 15,000 strong.

The political administration of South Waziristan summoned the Darai Mehsud, a council of elders from the three clans of the Mehsud tribe, on Thursday and, as per the laws governing the tribal agencies, collectively gave them responsibility for security forces in the area.

However, tensions exploded on Thursday night when a car packed with explosives was driven into the wall of a paramilitary fort at Jandola, killing 12 people in the market outside.

As expected, the 15-member tribal Mehsud council, led by Maulana Miraj-ud-din, a former senator, on Friday travelled into the mountains for peace talks with Mr Mehsud and returned empty-handed, although it did fulfil the collective responsibility imposed upon the group by the government, local journalists said.

Security forces responded to the suicide attack on Saturday by firing long-range artillery guns at Mehsud villages.

The build-up to outright conflict has prompted an exodus of members of Mehsud’s tribe to Jandola and Tank, towns to the west; they have now started arriving in the nearby North West Frontier Province city of Dera Ismail Khan, residents said.

thussain@thenational.ae

 

[Javed3]

The most important issue is the settlement of Internally displaced persons (IDP) from Swat.

If this really is Pakistan's own war, and so vital to sustain the integrity of Pakistan, Punjab and Sindh governments should not put restrictions on their settlement. The unfortunate people of Swat are Pakistani citizens, and they have the right to go wherever they want to go.