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| India-Pakistan |
| Forces close in on Srarogha |
| 2009-10-30 |
| [The News (Pak) Top Stories] Security forces were only a few kilometres from Srarogha, the stronghold of the Hakimullah Mehsud-led militants, on the 12th day of the operation Rah-e-Nijat in South Waziristan Agency on Wednesday. Sources said some militants were fleeing to North Waziristan from the Srarogha side and via the Shawal Road from Makeen due to increased pressure from the advancing troops.Local sources said the troops were heading for Srarogha after getting full control of Kotkai and securing the surrounding areas and ridges. "The next important point is Srarogha, where a tough battle is expected once the troops get close," said a political administration official, who did not want to be named. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said 25 militants were killed and a huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered. Five soldiers suffered injuries in the clashes and in attacks from the militants in different areas, it added. The ISPR said security forces made considerable progress on the Kotkai-Srarogha axis and secured the area overlooking the Taliban stronghold of Srarogha. Eight militants were killed and three soldiers sustained injuries in engagements in that area. The statement said 25 Taliban training centres and nine caves were destroyed in Kotkai while another three training centres were overrun in the Murghaband area. According to tribesmen, the village of Kaniguram on the Shakai-Kaniguram axis is a strong base of militants, where mostly Uzbeks were based. The troops secured an important area of Karwan Manza, located two kilometres east of Kaniguram. The capture of Karwan Manza can also help the troops in securing Karama, which is located southeast of the Kaniguram-Kotkai axis. The ISPR said Karama was the stronghold and training centre of foreign militants. Security forces continued a search for militants and arms in Nawazkot, the village located on the Razmak-Makeen axis and believed to be an important place from the security point of view. Local sources said that security forces would be able to capture the high points of Asman Manza after getting control of Kaniguram, which is under siege. Control over Asman Manza and Karwan Manza would enable the troops to advance on Kokatkhel, Karama, Delay, Mashta, Badar and other areas of Tehsil Ladha and Sarwekai, the sources said. They added that troops were busy removing landmines from the Ladha Road. The sources said six militants were killed and four injured in a clash with security forces in the Sherkot area. They said the troops' advance was steady and they were likely to seize Srarogha in the next few days. They said fighter planes bombed the Taliban hideouts in Ladha, Maidan, Patwelai and other areas, but there were no reports about casualties. Director General ISPR Maj-Gen Athar Abbas, while addressing a press conference in the federal capital, said Uzbek fighters had made Mehsuds and other tribes hostage, adding that Mehsud tribes were not linked with these foreigners. "As soon as the area is cleansed from terrorists, including foreigners, the Mehsud tribesmen will return to their area to resume their own system," he said. Answering a question, the military spokesman said through interceptions, it was confirmed that TTP commander Waliur Rehman was present in the area but nothing could be said about Hakimullah Mehsud. He rejected the impression that the Taliban had made tactical withdrawal from Kotkai to launch another assault, saying that the Taliban leadership was on the run. Answering another question, he said the US-led Nato forces had re-adjusted some of their security posts close to the border with Pakistan. He, however, said Pakistan was still awaiting details sought by it on the re-location of these security posts. The DG ISPR said the operation against the militants enjoyed public support as well as the support of tribesmen. About the terrorists arrested so far, he said they would be tried by civilian anti-terrorist courts. |
| Posted by:Fred |