44
ISLAMABAD: Major General Zafarullah Khan on Wednesday said that 80 per cent of Miramshah has been cleared during the North Waziristan operation, adding that outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan commander Hafiz Gul Bahadur, if spotted, would be eliminated without any delay.
The general further said that evidence of Al Qaeda’s presence in the region was found and the army was still facing opposition from some areas.
The army official maintained that the civilian population was not targeted during the operation. This information, however, could not be independently verified.
Major General Zafarullah Khan is the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7th Infantry Division Miranshah, North Waziristan.
The general acknowledged that foreign and local militants were residing in the area.
Bahadur is known to have links with notorious militant groups in tribal North Waziristan, including the Haqqani network.
North Waziristan jet strikes kill 11 suspected militants
Jet fighters carried out airstrikes on suspected militant hideouts destroying three of them while 11 suspected militants were also killed earlier today during the Zarb-i-Azb operation in the North Waziristan tribal region, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) sources said.
The death toll, however, could not be independently verified.
First time since the launch of this operation, Miramshah, the main town in North Waziristan, was opened for national and international media as media personnel, particularly from the television networks, were allowed to take shots of several destroyed militant hideouts.
The army launched its long-awaited major operation 'Zarb-i-Azb' in the tribal region a week after an attack on the airport in Karachi, deploying troops, tanks and jets to the area in the crackdown on the Pakistani Taliban and other militants.
So far more than 400 suspected militants, mostly foreigners, have been killed during the operation while at least 19 (improvised explosive device) IED-making factories have also been unearthed by security forces in parts of Miramshah.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), some 62,251 families left North Waziristan in the wake of the military offensive.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (44) Closed
Jul 09, 2014 11:00am
Have you noticed that ever since Zarb-e-Azb terrorist activities across the country have almost come to a complete halt !Bravo Pak Fouj.
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 12:19pm
Well done armed forces. Keep eliminating militants from motherland. Entire nation is with you.
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 01:35pm
This was the army who created these culprits and this the army who are eliminating them.. what about the poor AWAAM ??? in this month of RAMADAN ? have you people ever thought a bit about those effected families ? Or only giving analysis while sitting inside AC rooms in favor of operations.
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 02:25pm
Great Job. We all are proud of you, make 'em run.
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 02:26pm
I wonder why army took so long to take this kind of operation and let pakistani suffer more. I am proud they did this now this is what said in english too little too late. I also thinking what if taliban and other organization changed their faces trimmed their bread and once the army leaves they will come again and control the area again.I hope the army and government have such a plan if plan a fails then plan b should come in case. They most monitor to their activities even the operation finish like swat seriously we should not blink from the enemy they say the enemy is within ourselves. Hope we are going to right track no more suicide on innocent lives and let the pakistan prosper like malaysia and other muslim develop country. Inshallah let the love harmony peace jobs created to pakistani suffering people.
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 02:29pm
Our over enthusiast politicians need to eliminate terrorists from urban areas rather than issuing silly statements. Punjab is the safe haven for them and this must be ack and tackled.This may bring the revolution; the most abused word these days.
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 02:34pm
Did anyone check Abbottabad? May be TTP chief is living there with his three wives
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 03:03pm
@matteroffact My dear this is the nature of guerrilla war fare . Hide when there is too much heat, go underground be in dormant
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 03:14pm
With these racist terrorists on the run, they have not been able to incite terrorism in rest of the country. The only person unhappy seems to be Taliban Khan himself.
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 03:15pm
so called 'hafiz' gul bahadur must be targeted fully.
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 04:34pm
How many Uzbeks killed so far? How many TTP leaders? What about Gul Bahdur and Haqqanis.
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 04:46pm
As the area is mostly cleared when is the army allowing the local people to comeback or it is another successful operation like SW? Or swat from where they are not able to withdraw.
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 05:32pm
These operations were launched in 2004 from waziristan.But our seven lac army is unable to clear them out in 10 years of war.The taliban have rockets and Ak 47 as they do not have helicopters and tanks but why our forces completely failed to outnumber them is quetion of prudence.If our amry generals blamed india for helping taliban then why didnt it provided them with latest technology to bring down jets etc and being limited to Ak 47 and rockets is a question of prudence.All these operation are eyewash at cost of people lifves and miseries.It time to question army for their credibility as we question our politician.It the fact that army still have coplete control on its operational and as well foreign affairs of the state.Its still fighting to maintsin its hegenomy over parliament.
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 05:38pm
Why should Gul Bahadur be eliminated only? Why not catch him alive and try him? He may also provide valuable intelligence on the remaining terrorists. Also, what really matters is not what is happening now in North Waziristan, but how the region looks like in 2-3 years. Will the terrorists return or will they region become peaceful and prosperous? Will the gun culture and long with it reprisals and counter reprisals among tribes return or will they opt for modern society with well run education system in place?
The Pareto rule applies here also. While 80% of terrorists may have been eliminated, 20% live as sleepers cells in urban centers and they are the ones that cause the most havoc. Until they are also eliminated, we will never be a terror free society.
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 05:49pm
Keep it up!! We are with you!!
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 06:32pm
@Rafiq Yousafzai Do you want to cry more? Should I get you some tissues? Instead of blaming others, get your destiny in your own hands. Stand up and work hard.. this is all it takes to rise. Stop acting like a child and become a man.
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 06:38pm
Arny is doing a very fine job, indeed. But it i still too early to form a final opinion. Taliban shocked by the sheer scale of army power are awed, and stunned. But it doesn't mean they accepted the defeat. They need time to get together and consolidate their strength and then take action. Most certainly they would not face the army in a direct attack. They would probably emerge in cities, at unexpected spots, like in trains. buses, grocery markets, and above all, (let me repeat it) and above all, PLEASE TAKE A VERY GOOD CARE OF QUIDE AZAM'S TOMB!
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 06:58pm
@Rafiq Yousafzai
It is acceptable not to fast if travelling or in case of war. And this situation fulfills these conditions. Anyone crying like you should stop immediately.
Its funny that in karachi, lahore and other cities, if smokers dont keep fast then thats ok. But here if the people dont keep fasts in war affected zones...that is big trauma! WOW
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 07:18pm
@matteroffact
This is the whole idea behind the operation and also why it must be waged. We have to deny space to these elements so they cannot plan and train in the FATA to carry out attacks elsewhere in Pakistan.
These operations will not eliminate terrorist attacks, but they certainly will put pressure on the TTP and affiliates and lower the attacks. Anyone who thinks this will eliminate terrorism from Pakistan is mistaken. It will help the government get a better grip on TTP sanctuaries and deploy security forces closer to the areas out of which the TTP has traditionally operated from.
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 07:20pm
@Rafiq Yousafzai
How did the Army create them? Talk some sense for a change please. Do you think all of the mehsuds, uzbek militants were put in Army camps to be trained? What ISI did in the 80s has nothing to do with the militants running around in FATA now. These people have been militarized due to the Afghan conflict. They have gone in to fight the Americans and then switched gears and started fighting the Pakistani government.
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 07:22pm
@haroon
Army should not withdraw from Swat or North Waziristan. Like the rest of Pakistan, Army needs to maintain presence in all of these areas. North Waziristan should be garrisoned so outsiders and militants cannot find space to operate out of.
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 08:38pm
Where are the more than 10,000 fighters who were present in the area before this action? Did they hide in some caves or mingle with civilian population and would sprung out some time in future?
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 09:01pm
@Nazir I am sorry but there are many Pakistanis who still support the Taliban and Islamic fundamentalism. To eradicate these militants completely, such people need to change their mentality. is it possible?... not so sure.
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 09:50pm
This is good progress. But the government needs to put measures in place so that these Taliban and alqaeda terrorists can never make sanctuary in Pakistan ever again.
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 10:54pm
@kk Try to understand the constraints the Army has to operate under. The civilian government never gives army the freedom to operate the way it wants. If you remember the Nawaz goverment always wanted to talk with the taliban. Imran Khan still does. It was only after the Karachi airport attack that the Army literally forced the government to authorize the 'Zarb-i-Azb' operation. It is the civilian goverment vacillation that has prolonged the misery of the people. I have full confidence in our Army that they will rid North Waziristan of this affliction as they did in Swat. It is at this time that the entire nation needs to stand behind and support the army. God willing, Pakistan would be able to return to some sort of normalcy after that.
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 11:10pm
@Seedoo All these terrorist having good support from India "RAW" so If India will stop to support them then peace will be around the countries infact in KASHMIR also.. we should raise the voice against India to stop support terrorist around the region...
Recommend
0
Jul 09, 2014 11:55pm
The only effective long-term way of getting rid of TERRORISM is to establish a fair and honest society in Pakistan. Rich and wealthy groups will have to part with their money. Let us all work hard and honestly and live a simple life.
Recommend
0
Jul 10, 2014 12:00am
Keep it up Pakistan army!
Also please 'settle' these tribal regions once and for all. The people of these areas and the rest of Pakistan want them fully integrated into the country. There is no need for 'tribal areas' in the 21st century. They will just become reservoirs for criminals and terrorists again. They deserve full integration and amenities!
Recommend
0
Jul 10, 2014 12:03am
IK was right about the backlash of the army operation. Who cares now about the IDPS except KPK government and some other charity organizations.
Recommend
0
Jul 10, 2014 12:14am
I wonder, why Government waited so long. Their will be repercussion, but can be contained. Previous Government and the previous army chief need to do some explanation. We need to rethink who to blame killing of 40000 Pakistanis.
Recommend
0
Jul 10, 2014 12:22am
Only 400 so far ? ! where are the other talibans ? fled to afghanistan ?
Recommend
0
Jul 10, 2014 12:32am
@Rafiq Yousafzai Well said! Poor Awam are the real victim here!
Recommend
0
Jul 10, 2014 12:38am
@Assad You need some history lessons!
Recommend
0
Jul 10, 2014 12:38am
@Ahtesham
So typical. You don't see past your first instinct which is to blame others. Regardless of all the terror, killings, and corruption you have seen from Taliban and Al Qaeda, regardless of their narrow and hate-filled rhetoric in the name of religion, you always see someone else to blame: India, America, "the West", and so on and on.
Remember, when you raise a hand and point a finger at someone, you have several fingers on your hand still pointing back at you.
Fix your own house, while the army does its job.
Recommend
0
Jul 10, 2014 01:35am
@Rafiq Yousafzai What have you done. Have you given a rupee in the fund. Charity begins at home.
Recommend
0
Jul 10, 2014 02:20am
well done pak army, ever since your operation no more terrorist acts
Recommend
0
Jul 10, 2014 04:24am
@Rafiq Yousafzai : these awam may face hardships you can chose to side with them
Or allow a nation of 20 million plus be hostage and at the mercy of terrorist .. There is no comparison .
Recommend
0
Jul 10, 2014 04:40am
@Rafiq Yousafzai Are you sitting in hot Sun facing the enemy in the line of fire with these soldiers?
Recommend
0
Jul 10, 2014 09:15am
Pictures of the Buildings tell what a great job has been done to the terrorists living in those buildings. Could you imagine this being done in Punjab.
Recommend
0
Jul 10, 2014 02:51pm
Why was this operation started when Ramadan was near? Why in summer days, when it was too hot for the poor families who left that area? Why US drones were called on in to bomb militants? Why an unannounced operation was started?
Recommend
0
Jul 10, 2014 11:32pm
This is a successfully carried out operation,of which the Pakistani Army should feel proud.
Recommend
0
Jul 10, 2014 11:55pm
well done .Allah be with you.
Recommend
0
Jul 11, 2014 03:57pm
@Rafiq Yousafzai: Don't make assumptions about others, just state your own opinion. We all feel badly for the IDPs and are doing everything humanly possible to help them. However, their suffering will be over soon inshaAllah, and is a necessary cost of this absolutely justified operation. We cannot have criminals and murderers wreaking havoc all over the country.
Recommend
0
Jul 11, 2014 11:22pm
Not a single news of killing or arrest of any known terrorist leader. All fled, or were helped flee, before the operation?
Recommend
0
