11 militants die in ground offensive against militants in S. Waziristan

WANA: At least 11 militants were killed while 8 other sustained serious injuries when security forces backed by warplanes pounded militants‘ hideouts in South Waziristan.

Hideouts of militants were also destroyed in the action against militants in Razmak, Makeen, Nawaz Kot, Spinkay, Gund Sar, Sherwan area of the agency. Sources said the operation Rah-e-Nijat against militants was formally launched at 3:00 am.

On Saturday, roadside bombs went off near military convoys in both South and North Waziristan regions, killing three soldiers and wounding five, another.

According to military sources, the terrorists have anti aircraft guns and they are getting weapons and aid through different sources. Arrangements have also been finalized to block entry of terrorists into Afghanistan, sources said.

The duration of operation would be between 6 to 8 hours daily, source said, adding that, the area would remain seal for three months. The security forces have controlled the area from Shangai to Sherwan area. Sources said more than 80 percent people of Mehsud are involved in terrorism activities in the country.

The army says about 28,000 soldiers are in place to take on an estimated 10,000 hard-core Taliban. More than 500,000 civilians have fled from South Waziristan to FR Tank, Bannu and Dera Ismial Khan.

According to sources, army troops have been deployed between Afghan border and Baitullah Mehsud area meanwhile, curfew for an indefinite period has been imposed in many parts of SWA and massive mass evacuation has kicked off to avert civilian causalities.

Government sources said the military operation in SWA will last for 2 months while Special Support Group (SSG) will complete mass evacuation as late as Sunday night.

Curfew amide for the protection of military convoys and it is on the roads has been clamped. The militants have launched a series of brazen attacks in the past 12 days, striking at the United Nations, the army headquarters, police and the general public, killing more than 150 people and apparently trying to stave off the army assault.

Soldiers, tanks and artillery were being taken toward militant areas. Telephone services had apparently been suspended to the region. The security forces are advancing to militants‘ stronghold from Razmak security camp, FR Tank Jandola, Wana. According to the sources, the forces are likely to face tough resistance at Razmak, Makeen, Nawaz Kot and Spinkay.

We have information about presence of 1500 foreign terrorists in Waziristan, Tariq Hayat said. The militants‘ hideouts are being targeted through gunship helicopters and artillery shells, he said, adding that, first phase of operation is underway in Makeen, Shadi Khel and Spinkay area of South Waziristan.

Answering to a question, he said, supreme commander banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Baitullah Mehsud‘s successor is not only target of security forces but the whole organization is our target.

Out of 1500 foreigners‘ militants, Secretary Law and Order FATA Tariq Hayat Khan said that majority are Uzbeks, Sudani and Chechens. The terrorists have two options either to lay down arms unconditionally or ready to die, he said.

Senior Provincial Minister Bashir Ahmed Bilour told media men the army can not launch operation without political and masses support. The operation would be ended within 2 months and militants would be flushed out from the area, he said, adding that, the army has rendered sacrifices during operation Rah-e-Rast in Swat and are ready to sacrifice in Waziristan for cause of country.

Answering to a question, he said, the internally displaced people are being accommodated in Tank, Bannu and other areas. We have completed the arrangements to look after IDPs, he said.

Former Secretary FATA Brig. (Retd) Mehmood Shah said that the security situation is likely to further worsen in NWFP after the operation Rah-e-Nijat. On the other hand, Mehsud tribal elders from South Waziristan region have urged the authorities avoid targeting mosques and civilians.

Talking to media after Jirga of Mehsud tribesmen, Maulana Mairajuddin MNA demanded end of the US drone strikes in the region, hitting general public in the area.