KHAR, Feb 28: Security forces entered Mamond tehsil, the last bastion of militants in Bajaur, and secured various localities on Saturday, officials and eyewitnesses said.

Backed by tanks and armoured personnel carriers, troops retook Omaray, Barkhalozo, Tarkho and Aurlaghrai areas of Mamond tehsil, about 30 km off here, and captured militants’ strongholds.

Inayet Kali has turned into a ghost town after over 5,000 hous

es and a large number of shops were destroyed in the operation.

Eyewitnesses said that hundreds of tribesmen welcomed security forces in Omaray, showered flowers and garlanded them. They also gave away rams.

Tribal elders announced they would continue cooperation with security forces to restore peace in the agency.

Talking to journalists, ISPR director general Maj-Gen Athar Abbas said the troop advance was possible because of cooperation and support of tribal people. He said security forces entered the Mamond tehsil peacefully.

He said that with the advance of security forces in Mamond tehsil, the ‘Operation Sherdil’ had entered a decisive phase.

Bajaur Political Agent Shafeerullah Khan, Assistant Political Agent Nawagai Mohammad Jamil Khan and other officials were present on the occasion.

Shafeerullah Khan told journalists around 5,000 houses had been destroyed while hundreds of shops and other property were damaged in Bajaur.

He said affected people were in dire need of food and other essential items.

Malik Abdul Aziz, who heads the Mamond Peace Mission, said tribesmen wanted to maintain peace in Bajaur at all costs. No group or individual would be allowed to resist the security forces’ advance, he added.

Residents said that it was the first time since Aug 6 last year when the Taliban were not patrolling roads.

Talking to newsmen, Inspector General of Frontier Corps, Major General Tariq Khan, said security forces had defeated the Taliban after a seven-month-long military operation in Bajaur.

He expressed the hope that militants would be vanquished in other regions by the end of the year.

“The militants have lost the war and now Bajaur is safe. The Taliban command and structure has collapsed. They are no more able to resist military actions,” he said.

The Frontier Corps chief said the Taliban had established their own courts in Bajaur. They had not only challenged writ of the government but also took up arms against tribal people and challenged their traditions.

Gen Khan said the security forces had taken control of Bajaur’s roads and militants would not be able to move about freely.

In reply to a question, he said over 1,500 militants had been killed. Half of them were foreigners.
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